Trump federalizes D.C. police, deploys National Guard in sweeping crime crackdown
By lauraharris // 2025-08-16
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  • On Aug. 11, President Donald Trump declared a "crime emergency" in Washington, D.C., triggering a temporary federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deploying National Guard troops.
  • By August 12, 800 National Guard troops began arriving in the city as part of a 30-day federal intervention aimed at reducing crime and advancing a "beautification" campaign.
  • Trump invoked the 1973 Home Rule Act, which allows federal control of MPD for up to 30 days with congressional notification. The White House said the operation will be reassessed after the initial period.
  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged Trump's legal authority under the Home Rule Act but described the move as "unsettling and unprecedented." She said she would focus on maximizing available federal support.
  • D.C. residents expressed mixed views – some, like a local HVAC technician, questioned the necessity and effectiveness of the action. In contrast, others, including two young Black men, supported it for its potential to curb community violence.
National Guard troops began arriving in Washington on Aug. 12 after President Donald Trump formally federalized the capital's police force due to a "scourge of crime." On Aug. 11, Trump declared a "crime emergency" in the city due to the rising violence that "urgently endangers public servants, citizens and tourists, disrupts safe and secure transportation and the proper functioning of the Federal Government." This, in turn, triggered a temporary 48-hour federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), with the option to extend for up to 30 days with notification to Congress. (Related: Trump eyes Federal takeover of D.C. in push for 'Law and Order' amid rising chaos.) The next day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that 800 National Guard troops had been deployed to Washington to both curb violence and push forward with a broader "beautification" of Washington. "President Trump is going to make our nation's capital the most beautiful and safe city on Earth, just as he promised on the campaign trail," Leavitt said. The National Guard is expected to remain in Washington for the full 30-day period, pending congressional response and reassessment by the administration. Leavitt added that the administration "will re-evaluate and make further decisions after this 30-day period is up." "[During the 30 days,] our entire focus is making sure that this is the most efficient operation possible, and that we are removing as many criminals from the streets, and we are cleaning up D.C. as best as we can," Leavitt said.

Bowser acknowledges Trump's legal authority to federalize D.C. police, but calls it "unsettling and unprecedented"

The federal intervention has drawn a mixed response from D.C. residents, revealing deep divisions in how locals view crime, public safety and federal authority in the District. Greg, 45, an HVAC technician, believed the move was premature, stating that he's skeptical the show of force will lead to long-term solutions. Others, however, support the action. Two young Black men who declined to give their names said they welcomed the plan, specifically for its potential to address intra-community violence. "White folks ain't killing each other," one said. "Spanish people ain't killing each other. It's us killing each other." The other agreed. "It's time for a change," he said. Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has acknowledged that Trump had the legal authority to federalize the MPD, even though she called the move "unsettling and unprecedented." Speaking to reporters on Aug. 12 following a meeting with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Bowser said the "plain language" of the Home Rule Act gives the president the power to take temporary control of the city's police force. "Limited Home Rule gives the federal government the ability to intrude on our autonomy in many ways," Bowser said. "We are experiencing one of those moments right now." Bowser referenced the 1973 Home Rule Act, which allowed temporary federal control of the MPD. Rather than legally challenge the decision, Bowser said she is choosing to focus on "how to make the most" of the additional support and federal funding for MPD officers during the period of federal control. Head over to BigGovernment.news for similar stories. Watch the Aug. 12 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about Trump's plans to federalize D.C. and deploy forces to Blue cities.
This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

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Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 WhiteHouse.gov TheEpochTimes.com 2 Brighteon.com
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