- Trump announces federal takeover of Washington, D.C., police department
- National Guard to be deployed across the capital city
- Action framed as “liberation day” despite historic low crime rates
The Big Picture
President Donald Trump said Monday he would place the Washington, D.C., police department under federal control and deploy the National Guard, calling it a decisive step to “take our capital back.” The announcement came during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on August 11, 2025.
What’s New
“This is liberation day in D.C. and we’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared. He later emphasized his point in all caps: “LIBERATION DAY IN D.C. WE ARE TAKING OUR CAPITAL BACK!!!”
Although crime in Washington hit a 30-year low last year, the president has focused on a recent assault involving a Trump administration staffer to depict the city as unsafe. On Truth Social, he pledged that “Crime, Savagery, Filth, and Scum will DISAPPEAR.”
What They’re Saying
“Washington, D.C. will be LIBERATED today! Crime, Savagery, Filth, and Scum will DISAPPEAR. I will, MAKE OUR CAPITAL GREAT AGAIN! The days of ruthlessly killing, or hurting, innocent people, are OVER! I quickly fixed the Border (ZERO ILLEGALS in last 3 months!), D.C. is next!!!”
Context
The move to assume federal control over D.C.’s police is rare and could trigger legal and political challenges from local leaders. Deploying the National Guard—typically reserved for emergencies, protests, or significant events—signals Trump’s intent to deliver a visible show of force.
What’s Next
The administration has yet to release a detailed transition plan for the police takeover. National Guard units are expected to begin deploying in the coming days, with changes to public safety operations rolled out in phases.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s move escalates the federal role in the nation’s capital and sets the stage for a political battle over local autonomy, underscoring his law-and-order message ahead of the 2026 midterms.
President Trump Holds a Press Conference, Aug. 11, 2025 https://t.co/XqUHGGNVlo
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 11, 2025
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