President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward federalizing Washington, D.C. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders pointed to data showing violence is down.He took command of the police department and deployed the National Guard under laws and Constitutional powers that give the federal government more sway over the nation’s capital than other cities.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump deployed 800 National Guard troops to the streets of Washington, DC, a rare flex of his presidential authority over the military while a court mulls the legality of his prior order sending troops to Los Angeles.

President Donald Trump confirmed Monday that the National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C., will proceed as part of his administration’s initiative to address crime and homelessness in the city. This announcement marks the first confirmed National Guard activation in the district since early 2021.