President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to place Washington DC’s police force under direct federal control and deploy the National Guard, declaring Monday as “Liberation Day” for America’s capital in what he called “historic action” to tackle crime.
Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump announced he was officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allowing him to take command of the Metropolitan Police Department and bring in military support to “take our capital back.”
“This is Liberation Day in DC and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared. “We’re taking it back under the authority vested in me as the president of the United States.”
The dramatic intervention comes despite official data showing violent crime in Washington has fallen to a 30-year low, with homicides down 32 per cent and overall violent crime dropping 35 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year.
‘Overtaken by Violent Gangs’
In a fiery address, Trump painted a grim picture of the nation’s capital, claiming it had become “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world” – a characterisation disputed by crime statistics and local officials.
“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged out maniacs and homeless people, and we’re not going to let it happen anymore,” the President said.
Attorney General Pam Bonni is “taking command of the Metropolitan Police Department as of this moment,” Trump announced, adding that National Guard troops would be “allowed to do their job properly” in restoring order to the streets.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, brought to the podium during the announcement, confirmed the DC National Guard had been mobilised Monday morning. “You will see them flowing into the streets of Washington in the coming week,” Hegseth said, adding that additional National Guard units and “other specialised units” were prepared to deploy if needed.
They will be strong, they will be tough and they will stand with their law enforcement partners,” the Defence Secretary said.
Crime Statistics Dispute Trump’s Claims
Trump’s characterisation of Washington as crime-ridden contradicts recent data from both the Metropolitan Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, which show significant decreases in violent crime.
According to the US Attorney’s Office, violent crime in 2024 hit a 30-year low, with homicides falling 32 per cent, robberies down 39 per cent, armed carjackings plummeting 53 per cent, and assaults with dangerous weapons decreasing 27 per cent compared to 2023.
Preliminary 2025 data shows the downward trend continuing, with violent crime down 26 per cent year-to-date compared to 2024. Through early August 2025, the city has recorded 99 homicides – a significant decrease from the peak of 274 in 2023.
During his press conference, Trump held up charts claiming to show Washington’s crime rate was double or triple that of cities including Baghdad, Panama City and Bogotá. “So do you want to live in places like that? I don’t think so,” he said, though he did not provide the methodology behind these comparisons.
Limited Emergency Powers
While Trump’s invocation of Section 740 grants him significant authority, legal experts note there are important limitations. The emergency control of the police force can only last for a maximum of 30 days under the statute, and extending it beyond 48 hours requires congressional notification.
To maintain control beyond the initial period, Trump must provide written explanation to the chairs and ranking members of relevant House and Senate committees. Any extension beyond 30 days would require Congress to pass new legislation – a prospect that could prove challenging even with Republican majorities in both chambers.
The President has more latitude with the National Guard, which in Washington falls under direct presidential authority rather than a governor, as in the states. A DC National Guard spokesperson had told media earlier that the force had not yet been activated and any presence seen was related to “required training.”
Mayor’s Response and Federal-Local Tensions
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has pursued a more conciliatory approach with Trump during his second term compared to his first, told MSNBC: “It is true that we had a terrible spike in crime in 2023, but this is not 2023, this is 2025.”
She credited the crime reduction to “working with the community, working with the police, working with our prosecutors, and, in fact, working with the federal government.”
The federal takeover marks an unprecedented exercise of presidential power over a major American city. Trump had threatened similar action during his first term in 2020 amid Black Lives Matter protests but was persuaded by White House officials to reconsider.
Broader Crime Crackdown Agenda
During the press conference, Trump outlined additional measures he plans to implement, including changing “no cash bail” policies and directing Republicans in Congress to support tougher crime legislation.
“We’re going to change no cash bail. We’re going to change the statute and get rid of some of the other things,” Trump said. “We have the majority, so we’ll vote.”
The President also addressed the homeless population, declaring: “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
Trump’s renewed focus on Washington crime appears to have been triggered by the recent assault on Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old former staffer at the Department of Government Efficiency known by his online alias “Big Balls.” Coristine was injured in an attempted carjacking involving approximately 10 juveniles last Sunday.
Political Context and Opposition
The move fulfils a campaign promise by Trump, who vowed to “take over the horribly run capital of our nation” and make it safe. In February, he told reporters aboard Air Force One: “We should govern DC.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom has already filed a lawsuit arguing Trump’s actions are unconstitutional, with a trial set to begin Monday morning in federal court.
Critics note that while Washington did experience a spike in violent crime in 2023, the city has made significant progress in reducing crime rates. The district’s murder rate peaked at 482 homicides in 1991 during the crack cocaine epidemic, earning it the moniker of America’s “murder capital.” Current levels, while elevated from recent lows, remain far below those historic highs.
What Happens Next
With National Guard troops set to deploy throughout the week and federal control established over the police force, Washington residents and officials are bracing for a significant shift in law enforcement presence and tactics.
The 30-day limit on emergency police control means Trump will need to show results quickly or seek congressional approval for an extension. Given the political stakes and national attention, the coming weeks will test whether federal intervention can achieve the dramatic improvements Trump has promised.
As one former federal official noted, the real question may be whether Trump wants to maintain such direct control long-term, given the political risks if crime doesn’t decrease as promised: “Politically speaking, there is also a question of whether Trump would want to make such a dramatic move.
For now, America’s capital city finds itself at the centre of a high-stakes experiment in federal power, with implications that could extend far beyond the District’s borders.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
