Washington DC has become the center of a major federal intervention as President Trump ramps up efforts to tackle crime in the nation’s capital.
Hundreds of National Guard troops have already been deployed, and officials say more are on the way, with patrol numbers expected to reach between 100 and 200 soldiers at any given time.
Trump Promises to Restore Order
President Trump took to Truth Social to announce that the city is now “back under Federal Control,” pledging to restore safety, cleanliness, and order.
He described the mission as a full-scale effort to “liberate this city” from what he called thugs and killers, promising that the military and law enforcement will reclaim the streets.
Public Protests Erupt
Not everyone welcomed the crackdown. Residents quickly took to the streets to protest, chanting slogans like “Go home, fascists” and “Get off our streets.”
Law enforcement responded by setting up checkpoints along 14th Street Northwest, where some demonstrators urged drivers to avoid the area while challenging officers’ presence.
Federal Forces Increase Visibility
In the early days of the operation, small groups of officers were seen scattered across the city.
By Wednesday, their presence became far more noticeable.
National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agencies, including DEA and FBI agents, patrolled key areas such as the National Mall, Navy Yard, and U Street corridor.
Arrests and Enforcement Actions
The federal and local crackdown has already led to a surge in arrests.
Over 1,450 officers participated in patrols across the city, making 43 arrests on Wednesday alone for offenses including driving under the influence, unlawful entry, and assault with a deadly weapon.
Officials also seized seven illegal firearms, bringing total arrests since last week to over 100.
Conflicting Views on Crime Levels
While Trump emphasized the need for federal intervention, District leaders pointed to statistics showing that violent crime in DC is at a 30-year low following a spike two years ago.
Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the federal takeover as “authoritarian” and said city officials received no clear goals for the operation during meetings with the administration.
Police Chief Pamela Smith noted that the Metro Police Department is currently down nearly 800 officers, making federal support a temporary relief.
Potential Expansion to Other Cities
Trump has hinted that similar federal measures could extend to other major cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Oakland.
The president suggested he may seek extensions of federal control or call on Congress to adjust city laws he considers too lenient on crime.