On 11/8/2025, US President Donald Trump announced that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would be placed under direct federal control, deploying the National Guard to the city. "Today is Washington's liberation day, and we're taking back our capital," he declared.

Around 800 National Guard members were mobilized to Washington, with Trump suggesting the possibility of deploying the military if necessary. He also mentioned potentially extending federal control to other US cities led by Democrats, including Baltimore, New York, and Oakland.

This move comes as Trump paints a concerning picture of Washington's security situation, based on reports of crime and homelessness, according to his allies.

"This serious public safety crisis stems directly from the city leadership's catastrophic failure. We will restore security and do it quickly," Trump stated.

US President Donald Trump (center) during a press conference at the White House on 11/8. Photo: AP

US President Donald Trump (center) during a press conference at the White House on 11/8. Photo: AP

Under the Home Rule Act, the US president can assume control of Washington's police for up to 30 days by declaring a "special emergency" in the capital. Control reverts back to local authorities unless Congress passes legislation extending the period.

The Trump administration has been quietly working with city officials for months to combat crime and improve Washington's appearance, following an executive order signed in March. A Trump aide and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the relationship as effective.

However, recent violent incidents have heightened Trump's impatience, most notably the attack on former Delivery Operations Government Excellence (DOGE) employee Edward Coristine last week.

Coristine, 19, a student at Northeastern University in Boston, was described by billionaire Elon Musk as one of the top 6 software engineers globally invited to work for DOGE.

Coristine was seriously injured during an attempted carjacking on the morning of 3/8 in Washington. Police arrested two 15-year-olds from Maryland on charges of carjacking and assault.

Last week, Trump shared a photo of a bloodied and shirtless Coristine sitting on the ground. "If Washington doesn't clean up its act fast, we'll have no choice but to take federal control of the city," he warned.

Trump also frequently complained about the city's homeless population. He stated that criminals "are not allowed to turn our capital into a wasteland for the world to see." He emphasized that visiting world leaders should not encounter graffiti or urban decay.

Trump has long been concerned with crime and cleanliness in Washington and other cities. During his first term, he occasionally clashed with Democratic mayors over law enforcement in the capital. In the summer of 2020, he considered taking control of the Washington police to quell protests following the police killing of George Floyd.

Since returning to the White House for his second term, he has become increasingly focused on this issue to fulfill campaign promises of order and security. Some allies suggest this is also in preparation for Washington hosting the 250th-anniversary celebrations of the United States next year. Trump has repeatedly expressed excitement about presiding over this event.

"He's said many times that the city isn't ready for the country's 250th anniversary. If the city isn't safer and cleaner, we won't have tourists, that's for sure," a White House insider said, relaying Trump's comments.

Trump administration officials haven't detailed their plans for increased law enforcement in Washington. However, they have stated their intention to intervene in Washington's security, regardless of city leaders' agreement. Attorney General Pam Bondi declared during an 11/8 White House press conference that they would "put an end to" crime in the capital.

Federal law enforcement officers patrol Washington on 11/8. Photo: AP

Federal law enforcement officers patrol Washington on 11/8. Photo: AP

Mayor Bowser and Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith were caught off guard by Trump's announcement. Washington Attorney General Brian Schwalb criticized the White House's move as "unprecedented, unnecessary, and illegal."

"There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia," he said, referring to the US capital region. He noted that the violent crime rate reached a 30-year low in 2024 and is trending downward this year. "We're reviewing all our options and will do what's necessary to protect residents' rights and safety."

Terry Cole, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head appointed by Trump as the federal commander of the Washington police, met with Smith on the evening of 11/8. Sources say Smith delegated the task of coordinating relations between Washington police and their federal counterparts to Assistant Chief Jeffrey Carroll, a respected local figure.

Deploying the National Guard, and potentially the military, to Washington presents risks. Experts point out these forces have limited or no experience in local law enforcement.

Jillian Snider, a retired New York police officer now working at a Washington think tank, said local police are better equipped to address crime. "They know the people involved, they know the streets, they quickly grasp where the violence is happening. Any activity by federal agents or the National Guard should be supportive, not a takeover of local policing," Snider explained.

Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo suggested a different approach. "If the administration wants to make a real difference and help communities be safer, they should simply increase federal funding for local law enforcement to boost recruitment, training, equipment, and retention," he said.

However, many of Trump's allies expressed support for federal control of the Washington police. "President Trump is right. We cannot allow crime to destroy our nation's capital," House Speaker Mike Johnson stated.

Thuy Lam (CNN, WP, WSJ, NBC News)