US National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington DC, following President Donald Trump’s decision to take control of the city’s police force in response to claims of rising violent crime. Trump, arguing that crime is out of control, has ordered 800 National Guard troops and 500 federal law enforcement agents to assist local authorities in addressing crime, particularly violent offenses.
The deployment has sparked a political clash between Trump, a Republican, and Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat. Bowser, who has dismissed the notion that crime is spiraling out of control in the city, labeled the troop deployment as an “authoritarian push.” She has criticized the move as an overreach of federal power, emphasizing the city’s autonomy and its progress in reducing crime.
Despite the mayor’s stance, crime statistics suggest a decrease in violent offenses. Data from Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) show that violent crime has decreased by 26% in 2025 compared to the same point in 2024. The reduction follows a drop in violent crimes from 2023, which marked the lowest levels in 30 years.
On the ground, the National Guard troops have been seen setting up barricades around government buildings and even interacting with tourists. Although the troop presence is meant to provide security and assist with law enforcement, the move has raised questions about its political implications, particularly as Trump has also threatened similar actions in cities like New York and Chicago, which are governed by Democrats.
The White House has stated that the deployment is part of a broader crackdown on crime, with federal agents already making several arrests. Among those detained were individuals charged with homicide, gun offenses, drug dealing, and other criminal activities.
Despite the downward trend in crime, the move has led to increased tensions, with some questioning whether the data has been manipulated to justify the federal intervention. DC Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton has accused the city’s police department of falsifying crime data to present a misleading narrative of reduced crime.
While the debate continues, Bowser and DC Police Chief Pamela Smith have indicated that they share the same goal as the federal agents: reducing illegal weapons on the streets. However, the mayor remains firm in her opposition to federal overreach, urging her community to protect the city’s autonomy and ensure that such authoritarian actions are not repeated.
