In a decisive move to address escalating crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump announced on August 11, 2025, the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to the capital and the federalization of the city's police department. This unprecedented action aims to restore law and order in the nation's capital, which the President described as "unsafe" and "dirty."

During a White House press conference, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. Attorney General Pam Bondi has been appointed to oversee the department's operations. The National Guard troops are expected to begin arriving in the city over the coming week to assist local law enforcement agencies.

The President's decision follows a series of high-profile incidents, including the assault of a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer during an attempted carjacking. Trump cited these events as evidence of the city's deteriorating safety conditions. He also announced plans to remove homeless encampments from public areas, stating, "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY."

Local officials have expressed strong opposition to the federal intervention. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the move as "unnecessary and unlawful," emphasizing that violent crime has decreased by 26% in 2025 compared to the previous year. She questioned the effectiveness of deploying the National Guard for domestic law enforcement, suggesting that federal support would be better directed toward filling judicial vacancies or funding more prosecutors.

The federalization of the D.C. police department and the deployment of the National Guard mark a significant shift in the city's governance. While the Home Rule Act of 1973 granted D.C. residents the ability to elect their own mayor and council members, the President's actions have raised questions about the balance of power between federal and local authorities. Legal challenges to the federal takeover are anticipated, as the District's Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, has indicated that his office is "considering all of our options."

As the National Guard prepares to deploy and federal agents increase their presence in the city, the residents of Washington, D.C., await further developments. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates about the legality and necessity of federal intervention in the capital's affairs.