US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he will ask Congress for “long-term” control over the Washington, DC police department. He cited rising crime in the capital as the reason. Moreover, he suggested that other Democratic-led cities might change their laws in response to his deployment of national guard troops and federal agents.
The White House credited the operation for dozens of arrests overnight. Trump called it part of his campaign to fight a “crime crisis,” although city leaders deny such a crisis exists. Earlier this week, Trump invoked a rarely used legal clause to take temporary control of the district’s police.
However, extending control beyond 30 days requires Congressional approval. “We’re going to need a crime bill that we’re going to be putting in, and it’s going to pertain initially to DC,” Trump said during a visit to the Kennedy Centre. He added, “We’re going to use it as a very positive example, and we’re going to be asking for extensions on that, long-term extensions, because you can’t have 30 days.”
Trump Considers Other Options
Additionally, Trump told reporters he plans to propose legislation “very quickly,” even though Congress is out of session until September 2. He also hinted that he could extend control in multiple cities if he declares a national emergency. “If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,” he said.
National Guard troops appeared on the National Mall Tuesday evening. At the same time, federal officers from the FBI, DEA, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies patrolled neighborhoods across the city. Videos showed police and federal agents arresting at least one person in Columbia Heights. Furthermore, traffic stops were conducted near Kennedy Street, a site known for past gang activity.
Disputed Crime Claims
The White House defended the operation as necessary to combat an “out of control” crime problem. However, city officials rejected this claim. Data shows crime dropped last year to the lowest level in 30 years. Still, some violent crimes remain higher than in cities of similar size.
The DOGE Incident and Arrests
Trump deployed federal officers after a staffer from the “Department of Government Efficiency” was attacked early Tuesday morning. Consequently, the White House reported 43 arrests that evening, double the previous night’s total. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police said 76 arrests happened citywide Tuesday, which is higher than the 2024 daily average of 56, according to The Guardian.
Deployment Details
Over 1,450 officers were deployed in the city, roughly half from the local police. Meanwhile, only 30 National Guard troops were present initially, out of the approximately 800 expected. A White House official said more troops will arrive soon. In addition, federal agents will patrol round the clock, instead of only in the evenings.
Finally, Democratic lawmakers criticized the operation as authoritarian. They also accused Trump of using the deployment to distract supporters from the Epstein scandal.