U.S. National Guard Deployed: DC Police Department Under Federal Control

UNITED STATES – In a news conference Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., announcing a federal takeover of the city’s police force and deployment of 800 National Guard troops.

Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi will lead the Metropolitan Police, with Drug Enforcement Agency chief Terry Cole as interim commissioner, vowing to end crime “today.”

Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back, saying violent crime is at a 30-year low. Police data show overall crime is down 7% from last year.

The plan, which is being criticized by opponents as political overreach, also includes clearing homeless encampments from parks and public spaces.