That's what it's about

• US President Trump wants to make Washington safer by deploying the National Guard.
• Statistics show a decline in crime, contrary to Trump's claims.
• Prosecutors criticize the measures as unprecedented and unnecessary.

Due to allegedly rampant crime in Washington, US President Donald Trump is deploying the National Guard in the US capital. Trump said the city's police force should be placed under federal control.

The White House issued a corresponding executive order, in which the local police are now to act on the instructions of Attorney General Pam Bondi, a minister close to Trump. The US president based his order on a corresponding law that transfers control of the local police to him in a state of emergency. The goal of the entire operation, he said, is to restore public safety.

What are Trump's arguments?

Trump has been ranting against the homeless and criminals in the capital for weeks. The homeless must move away, IMMEDIATELY, he wrote on Sunday on his Truth Social platform. He also posted photos showing tents and pollution on the side of the road. We will offer you shelter, but FAR AWAY from the capital. He said the city should be safer and more beautiful than ever before. He wants to put criminals in jail.

The decree states that the Federal District has, on average, one of the highest robbery and murder rates among the country's major cities. Meanwhile, a look at the local police crime statistics shows a decline in reported crimes.

According to local police, the number of violent crimes fell by a good quarter by the beginning of August of this year compared to the same period last year. The total number of all offenses decreased by seven percent. The number of reported crimes also decreased between 2023 and 2024. The District of Columbia District Attorney's Office predicted that 2024 would be the year with the lowest number of violent crimes in 30 years.

What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is a military reserve unit and part of the U.S. Armed Forces. Typically, states have control over the National Guard. The U.S. President ordered the National Guard to Los Angeles for the first time in June 2025, after massive protests against ICE broke out there.

Is the US President even allowed to do that?

In national emergencies, the US President can assume command. The National Guard can be deployed in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, and domestic emergencies. According to previous information, the US has a total of more than 325,000 National Guardsmen. Initially, 800 National Guardsmen will be deployed in Washington, D.C., and he intends to mobilize even more forces if necessary, Trump said.

How long should the deployment last?

According to NBC News, the president can place the city's police force under federal control for 48 hours before having to notify Congress. He can therefore have control over the local police force for a maximum of 30 days before having to obtain congressional approval.

What are the reactions?

Federal District Attorney Brian Schwalb expressed no sympathy for Trump's actions. The government's measures are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful, he wrote on X. There is no emergency due to the crime.

Is there any plan to expand the campaign?

Trump already has his sights set on the next city where he can imagine such a maneuver. If necessary, we will do the same thing in Chicago, which is a disaster. We have a mayor there who is completely incompetent, he said at the press conference.