When President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Washington, DC police earlier this week, the move stirred up quite a bit of controversy.
Many locals in the capital city admit crime is a real concern, but they’re not convinced that bringing in federal control and deploying the National Guard is the right way to handle it.
The President’s Bold Move to Tackle Crime
On Monday, Trump declared that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would now be overseen by Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice.
Alongside this, 800 National Guard troops are set to arrive in the district soon, working in shifts around the clock.
Trump described this action as necessary to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor.”
Skepticism and Mixed Feelings Among Locals
I spoke with several people around DC to get their take.
The general vibe? Skeptical but open to more support for law enforcement.
Carson, a young man who just moved to DC, told me, “I think this is a bit of an overreaction.
You don’t need FBI agents or National Guard troops to stop violent crime around here.”
Another resident agreed but added, “If the police need extra help, that’s one thing.
But National Guard takeover? That seems excessive. I’ve been robbed, sure, but does that mean we need a military presence?”
Concerns About Youth Behavior
Some residents acknowledged that the city is facing challenges, especially with younger folks.
Jacqueline Turner, a great-grandmother, was especially concerned about the behavior of teens in popular spots like Navy Yard and the Wharf.
“They’re getting kind of out of hand,” she said. “Young people think they can do whatever they want and won’t face consequences.
Maybe parents should be held responsible if they can’t control their kids.”
Still, Jacqueline found Trump’s plan to bring in the National Guard “ridiculous.”
Does Crime Really Justify This Move?
John, another DC resident, pointed out that crime statistics actually show a decrease in violent crime year over year.
“Crime’s been going down as far as I know,” he said.
But even he admits that high-profile incidents, like the tragic shooting of a congressional intern, keep the fear alive.
“Of course, you want to be careful and aware of your surroundings,” John said. “You just have to stay vigilant.”
High-Profile Incidents and Public Perception
Recently, a former DOGE employee nicknamed “Big Balls” was brutally mugged in DC, an incident that Trump mentioned as justification for his actions. However, many residents don’t see this as a reason to militarize the city.
Tim, who’s lived in DC for 15 years, called the federalization “an insane overreach” and “completely unnecessary.”
“He’s using isolated incidents to justify something that doesn’t really fit our city’s reality,” Tim said.
Understanding Both Sides
Not everyone is outright against the president’s decision.
Daniel, a local, acknowledged Trump’s perspective but questioned whether he truly understands the city’s day-to-day life.
“I’ve heard gunshots, and I’ve seen fights, but I’ve never felt unsafe,” Daniel explained. “I feel 100% safe here.”
Rey, another resident, took a more neutral stance: “It’s never bad to have more enforcement if the city needs help.”
The Political Backdrop
It’s worth noting that Trump’s policing plan didn’t resonate with DC voters in the last election — he captured only about 5% of the vote in the district in 2024.
So, the mixed to negative reaction to this latest move isn’t all that surprising.