(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump announced Monday that his administration is placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and activating the National Guard to address violent crime in the nation’s capital.
The move, made under Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, includes sending 800 National Guard troops to the district, according to the White House. Trump called the announcement “Liberation Day” and said it is aimed at reestablishing public safety.
Standing alongside Trump at the White House, FBI Director Kash Patel cited Virginia’s recent law enforcement efforts as an example. Patel said that with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s partnership, a Northern Virginia task force removed red tape, provided police with intelligence support and coordinated with the U.S. Department of Justice on prosecutions.
“In one month, we arrested 545 violent felons … thanks to Governor Youngkin’s partnership,” Patel said, adding that the same approach will be brought to Washington.
Youngkin shared Patel’s remarks on social media, saying that backing law enforcement and reducing bureaucratic barriers helps catch criminals and make streets safer.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears also praised the announcement, writing on social media that “D.C. crime doesn’t stop at the Potomac — it rides our Metro, invades our neighborhoods, and puts families harm’s way.” She thanked Trump “for having the backbone to make our capital safe again.”
In Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore criticized Trump’s decision, calling it “deeply dangerous” and saying the president’s plan “lacks both data and a battle plan.” Moore, who serves as commander-in-chief of the Maryland National Guard, said he takes the deployment of service members “personally and seriously” and accused Trump of using “honorable men and women as pawns to distract us from his policies.”
Moore pointed to Baltimore’s recent crime reductions, noting that homicides statewide have dropped more than 20% since his inauguration, and said the city is now the safest it has been in five decades. “We await outreach from the White House if they want to have a serious conversation about public safety,” Moore said. “But we won’t hold our breath.”
Monday’s executive order invokes Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the president to direct the D.C. mayor to provide the Metropolitan Police Department’s services for federal purposes during an emergency.
Under the law, the initial control period can last up to 48 hours before congressional notification is required and may be extended up to 30 days unless Congress acts to end or extend it. Trump’s order delegates operational control to the U.S. attorney general.
