President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that he will actively join law enforcement and National Guard units patrolling Washington, D.C. This unprecedented move by a sitting president highlights the administration's aggressive stance on combating the rising crime rates in the nation's capital. The announcement came during a radio interview with Todd Starnes, where Trump expressed his intention to be involved directly.
"I'm going to be going out tonight, I think, with the police and with the military, of course. So we're going to do a job," Trump stated. He commended the National Guard for their excellent performance, remarking, "The National Guard is great. They've done a fantastic job."
For security reasons, the specifics of the patrol route and operational details were kept confidential. This hands-on approach by the President follows the mobilization of over 800 National Guard troops since August 11 to aid in federal and local crime-fighting efforts. Additional soldiers from various states, including Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, have been deployed to reinforce the federal presence in the city.
The White House has cited significant gains from this increased deployment. In a statement titled "From Safer Streets to Investment Boom, President Trump Delivers Results," officials highlighted a week without homicides in Washington. Additionally, The Gateway Pundit reported other statistics from the administration showing a considerable decline in various crimes, including an 83 percent drop in carjackings, a 46 percent reduction in robberies, and a 22 percent decrease in overall violent crime.
Vice President JD Vance visited the National Guard at Union Station and spoke about the federal response. "We are seeing really substantial effects because these guys are busting their a--," he said. Vance painted a grim picture of the conditions at Union Station, describing it as a haven for vagrants, drug addicts, and mentally ill individuals who have long threatened and attacked families.
The federal government's authority to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department during emergencies is limited to 30 days under the 1973 Home Rule Act. After this period, congressional approval is needed to extend oversight. In contrast, National Guard deployments in D.C. do not face such constraints, allowing flexibility in the current operation, as reported by Fox News.
Despite the administration's commitment to restoring order, some city officials have raised legal concerns. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging the legality of the federal takeover of local police. "This is the gravest threat to Home Rule DC has ever faced, and we are fighting to stop it," Schwalb stated.
As Trump prepares to join the patrol, his actions underscore the administration's dedication to public safety and order in Washington. This direct participation with officers and National Guard personnel is intended to reinforce the federal commitment to reducing crime and ensuring the well-being of the capital's residents.
