🚨 Trump Seizes Control of DC Police, Deploys National Guard — Calls It ‘Liberation Day’
In a shocking and unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has taken direct control of Washington DC’s police force, deployed hundreds of National Guard troops, and declared the city ‘liberated’ from what he describes as a wave of violent crime — despite official data showing record-low crime rates.
A Historic Federal Takeover
On Monday, Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to federalize DC’s Metropolitan Police Department — the first time in history this power has been used. The White House confirmed the takeover will last 30 days, with the possibility of extension if Congress approves.
Standing at the White House podium, Trump declared:
“This is liberation day in DC. We’re taking our capital back from crime, bloodshed, and squalor.”
He went on to paint a grim picture of the city, claiming it is “one of the most dangerous in the world” — comparing it to Bogotá and Mexico City — even though violent crime in DC is currently at a 30-year low and has dropped an additional 26% this year.
The Security Surge
The federal operation will see 800 National Guard troops hit the streets, alongside 450 federal officers from agencies including the US Capitol Police, ATF, and Federal Protective Service. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promised they will be “strong and tough” in supporting law enforcement.
Trump hinted he might even deploy the military “if needed” and gave police sweeping latitude to act, saying:
“They spit in the face of police? We hit back. Hard.”
Homeless Ordered Out
The president also targeted the homeless population, posting on Truth Social:
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
Homelessness in DC has actually been declining, according to recent data. Still, Trump’s directive drew outrage from advocacy groups and city leaders.
Political and Civil Rights Backlash
Critics have called the move a direct assault on DC’s political independence.
- Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC’s non-voting delegate) called it “a historic assault on DC home rule” and renewed calls for DC statehood.
- Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin accused Trump of “playing political games” and reminded the public of his inaction during the January 6th Capitol riot.
- Al Sharpton suggested the move was designed to “distract from the administration’s handling of the Epstein files.”
The Bigger Picture
Washington DC’s crime story is more nuanced than Trump’s claims. The city saw a spike in homicides post-pandemic, peaking in 2023. But since then, crime has sharply declined — making the president’s declaration of a public safety emergency appear deeply at odds with reality.
With 30 days of direct federal control ahead, DC residents now face a tense month where political power struggles and policing collide in the nation’s capital.