Trump Places DC Police Under Federal Control and Deploys National Guard Amid Crime Concerns
On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant federal intervention in Washington, D.C., declaring that the local police department would be placed under direct federal control and that he had activated 800 members of the National Guard to address what he described as escalating crime in the nation’s capital.
During a public address, Trump declared a public safety emergency and stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi would take command of the D.C. Police Department under this new federal authority. The president characterized the move as a “historic action” intended to rescue Washington, D.C. from “crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor,” and warned that if necessary, military forces beyond the National Guard might be deployed rapidly.
Legal Basis for Federal Control
The president invoked powers under Section 740, which grants federal authority over the District of Columbia’s police during emergencies. Letters regarding this action were sent to the D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and both chambers of Congress, as legislation affecting local law enforcement in the District requires congressional approval.
Context and Response
The federal takeover follows last week’s seven-day surge in federal law enforcement in D.C. and responds to what the administration says are multiple high-profile crimes. Trump emphasized a focus on known gang members and drug dealers, asserting that crime has become “out of control,” although local officials have reported that certain major crimes in the city have reached a 30-year low.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hexf confirmed that the National Guard presence was scheduled to increase, with the potential for additional guardsmen from other states to support the effort. Trump also hinted at the possible use of active military forces if the situation escalates.
Significance and Controversy
This unprecedented federal intervention in the District of Columbia’s policing has sparked debate. Supporters argue it is a necessary step to restore public safety in the capital. Critics counter that the crime statistics cited do not support such drastic federal involvement and raise concerns about federal overreach affecting local governance and civil liberties.
As Washington, D.C. navigates this transition, the coming days will be critical in determining the impacts of federal control and National Guard deployment on the city’s security and community relations.