On the 11th, President Donald Trump announced the federal direct control of the Capital Police Department and dispatched 800 National Guard members to the area. According to U.S. media reports, on the evening of the 13th, the National Guard officially commenced their mission in Washington. Faced with the Trump administration’s increased efforts to “fight crime,” Republicans applauded this move, while Democrats criticized it as a “political stunt.” The District of Columbia has become a new battleground for partisan strife, with homeless people in Washington becoming pawns.
CBS reported on the 14th, citing a source, that from the evening of the 13th local time, the National Guard personnel were officially deployed at the National Mall and surrounding areas and began their tasks.
The deployment of the Guard into the capital sparked controversy.
The source stated that the primary task of these National Guard personnel is to provide logistical, transportation, and administrative support to local law enforcement agencies. However, the National Mall is a tourist attraction, and deploying military forces in such a relatively safe area is highly unusual. The source pointed out that
Besides creating a sense of military presence among nearby residents and tourists, it remains unclear what impact this would have.
Residents and tourists living in Washington expressed that there was no need to deploy the National Guard in Washington, which would only cause them concern.
Washington resident Raz Sinclair:
This practice is completely unnecessary; attempting to create panic through meaningless administrative orders. However, as recorded by the Justice Department and the police department of the District of Columbia, the crime rate in Washington is at its lowest in 30 years.
Visitor Meghan Daniels:
Such an occurrence would prompt concerns—is Washington really that bad? So I think they are actually doing this under the guise of safety. Personally, I feel that the police in the District of Columbia have managed to contain the situation.
Washington Resident Taylor Johnson:
This won’t make anything better. And I think they know that too. So, I believe their intention is not to steer things in a positive direction.
US Media: National Guard Members to Work in Batches
According to the American Broadcasting Company, although President Trump announced the dispatch of 800 National Guard members to Washington, there are actually not as many guards on the streets as seen. They will work in batches, with each shift consisting of 100 to 200 individuals, some of whom will also be assigned administrative or logistical roles to support local law enforcement efforts.
Trump Seeks Long-Term Control Over Washington Police Department
On the 13th, Trump stated his intention to request Congress to extend the federal government’s takeover of the capital’s Washington Police Department for an additional 30 days. According to reports, under relevant regulations, this control period is set at 30 days. Trump mentioned,
If the extension request is not approved by Congress, he could extend the federal government’s takeover time through declaring a “national emergency.”
We will seek an extension; a 30-day extension is not enough. We want an extension. I don’t want to declare a “national emergency,” but if that’s necessary, I have no choice but to do so.
Washington D.C. Turns into a Battlefield of Parties
Trump announced a series of measures in the capital area of Washington D.C., claiming to address the frequent occurrence of violent crimes and the overcrowding of homeless people in the district. The White House stated that homeless individuals in Washington D.C. who refuse to cooperate with government actions and continue to sleep on the streets may face fines or imprisonment.
Faced with such circumstances, Republicans cheered, while Democrats criticized it as a “political stunt.” Washington D.C. has become a new battleground of partisan strife.
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In response to the federal government’s “Crime Fight” operation in Washington D.C., White House Press Secretary LaVelle issued a warning to homeless individuals on the 12th.
White House Press Secretary LaVelle:
Homeless individuals have the option to leave their encampments and be taken to shelters to receive drug rehabilitation or psychological treatment. If they refuse, they may face fines or imprisonment.
Since Trump’s return to the White House, he has repeatedly criticized violent crimes and homelessness in Washington D.C., stating that the crime rate in the district ranks among the highest globally, and criticizing the Democratic Mayor of Washington D.C., Bowser, for her lackluster governance. However, Bowser countered by saying that the capital “has not experienced a surge in crime rates.”
Washington D.C. Mayor Bowser:
Our violent crime rate is at its lowest level in 30 years.
Republican members of Congress quickly responded to Trump’s criticisms. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson stated that the Republican members of Congress support the cleanup of Washington D.C. and the end of the “crime wave” there.
James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, announced that he would convene a hearing with Mayor Bowser and District Attorney Schwarzenegger next month at the Capitol Hill, where the House Oversight Committee will advance legislative proceedings on this issue.
Meanwhile, Democrats have condemned Trump’s actions.
The Mayors Association, comprised of more than 30,000 Democratic mayors across thousands of cities nationwide, has issued a statement stating that
Trump is not genuinely concerned about city safety but only seeks to create another political stunt for his own benefit, diverting Americans’ attention from his failure.
Maryland Governor and Democrat Wes Moore believes that the Trump administration’s measures lack a clear action plan, merely using National Guard soldiers as “tools” to achieve their objectives.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore:
What we are seeing now is the Trump administration shifting the focus away from its policies that have led to an ongoing rise in unemployment rates, the loss of healthcare coverage for citizens, and the deprivation of children from food assistance. Now, Trump is using National Guard soldiers as tools to achieve his political goals.
Homeless individuals in Washington D.C. argue that the Trump administration’s actions have completely overlooked their lives.
Homeless individual Rapi:
How about giving us a home? Give those who need one a real home, and then we won’t be sleeping on the streets. They just want to throw us out like rats.