On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced his intention to patrol the streets of Washington, DC, in conjunction with police and National Guard troops, as part of what he describes as a crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital.
“I plan to go out tonight, I believe, with the police and, of course, the military… We will be undertaking a task,” Trump was quoted by AFP during an interview with Newsmax, a right-leaning media outlet.
“The National Guard is excellent. They have performed exceptionally well,” he further stated.
It remains uncertain whether Trump has received formal authorization or has coordinated with law enforcement or military officials for such an appearance.
As reported by The Hill, referencing a White House official, further details regarding Trump’s activities were expected to be released soon.
This month, the Trump administration has escalated its federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., citing what it deems an “unacceptable” level of crime, despite evidence indicating a decline in violent crime rates for both 2024 and 2025.
Last week, President Trump assumed federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department and dispatched hundreds of National Guard troops throughout the city.
The White House has indicated that over 600 arrests have occurred since the initiation of federal deployments on August 7, including 251 undocumented immigrants.
Critics contend that the crackdown is politically driven and unwarranted, highlighting the decrease in crime rates and widespread dissent.
A poll conducted by the Washington Post and Schar School, released on Wednesday, revealed that 65% of D.C. residents believe Trump’s measures will not enhance the city’s safety, while nearly 80% oppose his executive order to federalize the police.
In spite of the criticism, White House officials maintain that the statistics do not accurately represent what they refer to as the city’s “true state of decay.”
On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller visited National Guard troops at Union Station to express their support. This visit was met with protests, which Miller dismissed with derision.
“We shall disregard these foolish white hippies who all require a return home for a nap, as they are all over 90 years of age,” The Hill reported Miller as stating.
“Furthermore, we will resume our focus on the task of safeguarding the American populace and the residents of Washington, D.C.,” he continued.
