In a controversial move, three Republican-led states announced they will deploy members of their National Guard to Washington, DC, at the urging of President Donald Trump. West Virginia is set to send 300-400 troops, while South Carolina and Ohio will contribute 200 and 150 military police officers, respectively. This decision follows Trump's declaration of a "public safety emergency," during which he characterized the nation’s capital as experiencing "complete and total lawlessness."
However, local officials and many residents in Washington, where 92% supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election, have vehemently pushed back against these claims. The situation has ignited protests across the city, with hundreds gathering in Dupont Circle to express their discontent with Trump's national policy and the increased military presence. Demonstrators chanted slogans like "Free DC!" and showed their opposition to what they see as unwarranted federal intervention.
Despite the emerging narrative of a crime-ridden capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser has challenged Trump's assertions, acknowledging a temporary spike in crime in 2023, but asserting that violent crime rates have since significantly decreased. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), there has been a 32% reduction in homicides and a broader 26% drop in violent crime in the early months of 2025 compared to the same time in 2024.
The Trump administration's effort to take over the Metropolitan Police Department’s command through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act was met with legal action from city officials, ultimately leading to a retraction of the order after a judge emphasized that Mayor Bowser must adhere to White House directives. The situation remains tense as local leaders and residents voice their concern over Trump's portrayal of the city and the growing number of federal officers patrolling its streets.
However, local officials and many residents in Washington, where 92% supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the recent election, have vehemently pushed back against these claims. The situation has ignited protests across the city, with hundreds gathering in Dupont Circle to express their discontent with Trump's national policy and the increased military presence. Demonstrators chanted slogans like "Free DC!" and showed their opposition to what they see as unwarranted federal intervention.
Despite the emerging narrative of a crime-ridden capital, Mayor Muriel Bowser has challenged Trump's assertions, acknowledging a temporary spike in crime in 2023, but asserting that violent crime rates have since significantly decreased. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), there has been a 32% reduction in homicides and a broader 26% drop in violent crime in the early months of 2025 compared to the same time in 2024.
The Trump administration's effort to take over the Metropolitan Police Department’s command through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act was met with legal action from city officials, ultimately leading to a retraction of the order after a judge emphasized that Mayor Bowser must adhere to White House directives. The situation remains tense as local leaders and residents voice their concern over Trump's portrayal of the city and the growing number of federal officers patrolling its streets.
