"Today is liberation day for Washington and we're going to take back our capital," US President Donald Trump said on 11/8, announcing his plan to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C. and place the city's police department under direct federal control.
The president said he invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to "restore order." He described the situation in Washington as "out of control," but pledged his administration would regain control, as it had done at the southern border.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House on 11/8. Photo: AP |
US President Donald Trump at the White House on 11/8. Photo: AP
Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows the president to control Washington's police force for 48 hours if they "determine that special conditions of an emergency nature exist" that require using the force for federal activities. Trump said he declared a public safety emergency in Washington to activate Section 740.
The president can extend control over the Washington police if they notify the chair and ranking members of the congressional committees with jurisdiction over Washington, D.C. legislation. It is unclear whether Trump has done this. However, any request to control the Washington police for 30 days or more must be passed into law.
Trump appointed Terry Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as the federal commander of the Washington police. He called Cole "one of the best in the country" and instructed him to run the police department "toughly".
Trump also announced the deployment of the National Guard to Washington to "help restore law and order and public safety in the capital." "They will be allowed to do their job properly," he added.
Washington, D.C. is governed by the District of Columbia government, overseen by the US Congress. However, Trump has long expressed dissatisfaction with this arrangement. He has threatened to federalize the city, stripping it of its home rule and placing it under federal control, giving the White House final say over its governance.
Last week, Trump warned he would deploy the National Guard to crack down on crime in Washington, claiming crime rates were rising in the city.
However, according to police statistics, violent crime in the capital decreased by 26% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Data released by the US Department of Justice before Trump took office showed the city's 2024 crime rate was the lowest in three decades.
"Over the past two years, violent crime in Washington, D.C. is down 52% and is now at a 30-year low," said Charles Allen, a member of the Washington Council, after Trump's announcement. "This is unnecessary, unfounded, and a dangerous escalation of power in the District."
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, CNN, Reuters)
