The President of the U.S. Donald Trump ordered on Monday to deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C. and took control of the local police.
"We are going to deploy the National Guard to help restore law, order, and public safety in Washington D.C., and they will be allowed to do their job as it should be," the president said on Monday at a press conference.
"I'm going to meet with Putin... I don't like being here talking about how unsafe, dirty, and filthy this city has become, which was once so beautiful, with graffiti on the walls everywhere (...) We're also going to get rid of the slums," he added.
Additionally, FBI agents will bolster nighttime surveillance and assist local police.
"It is Liberation Day in Washington, and we are going to take back our capital (…) You don't want to be robbed, raped, and killed," he said this Monday.
The president hopes that "when they walk through the streets, they will feel very safe. They will see the National Guard, they will see a lot of police."
It is a deployment similar to that faced recently by the federal government and the State of California. Trump had deployed the National Guard in that Democratic state to contain migrant protests against raids and deportations.
Yesterday, Trump announced that he would discuss his plan against crime in DC.
At the same time, the White House reported last week on a seven-day operation that will include an increased presence of federal law enforcement in the District.
Currently, in Washington DC, there are almost 1,000 people sleeping outdoors, and the 800 beds in the city's accessible shelters are already occupied.
Washington D.C. is a city that has traditionally voted Democrat and has always voted against Trump.
Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, said on Sunday that the National Guard "are not police officers."
"I don't think it would be the most efficient use of our Guard," he added.
According to official figures, violent crime decreased in the U.S. capital by 35% in 2024, reaching the lowest levels in the last 30 years.
Frequently asked questions about the deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. and Trump's security policy
Why did Donald Trump order the National Guard to be deployed in Washington D.C.?
Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. to restore law and order, and take control of the local police, arguing that the city was experiencing insecurity and deterioration. Additionally, he seeks to enhance nighttime surveillance and assist local police with FBI agents.
What is the stance of Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on the deployment of the National Guard?
The mayor of Washington, Muriel Bowser, stated that the National Guard "are not law enforcement officers" and considered that it would not be the most efficient use of those resources to address the security issues in the city.
How is this deployment related to Trump's immigration policies?
The deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. is part of a broader strategy by Trump to strengthen internal security and implement strict policies against crime and immigration. This is in line with recent measures such as massive raids and deportations of undocumented immigrants in several U.S. cities.
What measures has Trump taken regarding homeless individuals in Washington D.C.?
Trump has demanded that homeless individuals leave Washington D.C. “immediately,” offering housing away from the capital. This measure is part of his rhetoric to tighten security in the District of Columbia and restore order in the city.
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