Trump Sends National Guard to D.C.: Here’s Why

On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that he was invoking the Home Rule Act to take federal control of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department and deploy 800 National Guard troops to the capital.

Framing the move as a response to “complete and total lawlessness,” Trump said the measure would allow federal authorities to “clean up” the city quickly and serve as a warning to other Democratic-led cities he accuses of failing to address crime.

The order grants federal oversight of the police and authorizes more aggressive law enforcement tactics. Trump blamed D.C.’s “no cash bail” policy and city leadership for enabling crime.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back, saying violent crime is at its lowest level in 30 years and disputing Trump’s characterization of the city. Police data shows homicides down 12% and assaults with dangerous weapons down 20% in 2025, following sharp declines in 2024.

Critics accuse Trump of manufacturing a crisis to expand federal authority over a heavily Democratic city. Trump has not specified how long the federal control will last, but suggested similar action could be taken in other cities.