President Donald Trump has announced a crime emergency in Washington DC, taking control of the city’s local police and sending National Guard troops to the capital. The decision has sparked strong criticism from residents, civil rights leaders, and local officials, who say it is an unnecessary and dangerous move.
Under the announcement, law enforcement powers are being handed over to the US Department of Justice, and around 800 soldiers are being deployed to Washington, DC. Between 100 and 200 of these troops will directly assist police operations in the city. Trump claimed the action is needed because of “intolerable risks” to federal functions due to crime.
However, local leaders and experts say the facts tell a different story. Violent crime in DC has fallen sharply, dropping 35% in 2023 and another 26% this year. They credit community programs, affordable housing projects, and local policing efforts for the improvement. DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb has openly rejected the president’s claim, saying, “There is no crime emergency.”
The move has been seen by many as a political step rather than a safety measure. Washington, DC has never had full statehood, and its autonomy is already limited under the Home Rule Act of 1973. More than 90% of DC voters supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, with Trump getting only 6.5% of the vote. Critics believe the president is targeting Democrat-led areas to send a political message.
Protests broke out near the White House soon after the announcement. Activists called it a clear example of authoritarianism, accusing Trump of using crime as an excuse to take away local power. Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton described it as “the ultimate insult to justice and civil rights.”
For many residents, the concern is not only about the current situation but also about the future of the city’s self-governance. Student Amari Jack called the decision “the first step” toward removing DC’s autonomy completely. Activist Maurice Carney said Washington, DC, is now a stage for Trump’s “law and order” image, but also a place where people will strongly resist.
