Trump Declares Public Safety Emergency in Washington, D.C.
In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump has officially declared a public safety emergency in the nation’s capital, warning that military intervention could be on the table if the situation escalates.
Trump announced that the Washington, D.C. police department will now operate under federal oversight, alongside the immediate deployment of the National Guard. The president claimed this step is necessary to confront what he called a surge of “lawlessness” sweeping through the city.
“Our capital has been overrun by violent gangs and ruthless criminals,” Trump said. “I am sending in the National Guard to restore law, order, and safety to Washington, D.C.”
This move signals another instance of Trump using executive authority to step into matters typically handled at the local level—especially in cities run by Democratic leadership. While critics accuse him of exaggerating conditions to consolidate power, Trump dismissed such claims, stressing that crime in Washington, D.C. is disrupting the work of the federal government.
He also hinted that other cities might see similar action, but confirmed that the nation’s capital will be the first focus in his broader public safety push.