Trump Federalizes DC Police, Deploys 800 National Guard Amid Crime Concerns

President Donald Trump has taken unprecedented action to address what he describes as out-of-control crime in Washington, D.C., by federalizing the Metropolitan Police under Attorney General Pam Bondi's control and deploying 800 National Guard troops to the city. While Trump emphasizes a public safety emergency driven by violent gangs and juvenile crime, official crime statistics and some media outlets, including CNN and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, argue that crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, leading to significant debate over the necessity and appropriateness of Trump's measures. Many local residents acknowledge crime problems but view the federal takeover and National Guard deployment as an overreach and question whether it is the right solution, with some expressing concerns about youth misconduct and parental accountability. The controversy highlights a divide between the lived experiences of some Washingtonians facing juvenile-led assaults, carjackings, and robberies, and the statistical narratives presented by critics of the president's intervention. CNN and other critics have accused Trump of manipulating crime data to justify his measures, while supporters argue that lax local laws prevent effective prosecution of juvenile offenders, exacerbating the issue. Overall, the situation underscores tensions between federal authority and local governance amid serious concerns about public safety in the nation's capital.