On August 11, 2025, President Donald Trump invoked the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to place the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. This unprecedented move effectively transfers authority from local governance to federal oversight. In conjunction with this action, President Trump announced the deployment of National Guard troops to the capital, aiming to "re-establish law, order, and public safety." He emphasized that the troops would be permitted to carry out their duties without restriction. 

The decision follows heightened concerns over public safety in Washington, D.C., with President Trump describing the city as "totally out of control." He has also ordered the eviction of homeless individuals from central areas of the city, directing them to temporary accommodations "far from the Capital." Additionally, President Trump has threatened to imprison criminals and suggested the possibility of revoking the District's Home Rule Act, which grants limited self-governance to the city. 

Despite these assertions, local crime statistics present a different picture. According to data from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime in the city decreased by 26% in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and overall crime dropped by 7%. However, gun violence remains a persistent issue.

The federal intervention comes amid ongoing legal challenges regarding the use of National Guard troops in domestic law enforcement roles. A trial in San Francisco is currently assessing potential violations of the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in civilian law enforcement. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future deployments of military personnel in domestic policing. 

President Trump's actions have sparked a national debate over the balance of power between federal and local authorities, the role of the military in domestic affairs, and the effectiveness of such measures in addressing urban crime. As the situation develops, legal experts and political analysts continue to monitor the implications of these unprecedented steps.

Sources: Reuters