Trump Deploys National Guard, Federalizes D.C. Police Amid Crime Dispute

President Trump announced a federal takeover of Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to address what he described as rampant violent crime and lawlessness in the city. Trump characterized D.C. as being overtaken by violent gangs and criminals, citing recent violent incidents, including an attack on a federal official, as justification for his emergency intervention. However, critics, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and comedian Seth Meyers, have challenged Trump's portrayal of the situation, pointing out that violent crime in D.C. is actually at a 30-year low and accusing the president of using inaccurate or exaggerated statistics to support his claims. Meyers mocked Trump's press conference as detached from reality and criticized his frequent misuse of numbers in public statements. Supporters argue that local officials have failed to adequately manage crime, and Trump's move is aimed at restoring safety to the capital. The debate over the crime situation in D.C. reflects broader political divisions, with Democrats accusing Trump of politicizing the issue and Trump emphasizing the need for decisive action.