- The Pentagon is preparing to activate hundreds of National Guard troops for Washington, D.C., as part of a federal crime crackdown, according to authorities.
- About 120 FBI agents are already patrolling D.C. overnight with local and federal officers, according to the Washington Post.
- President Trump set a White House news conference for Monday, Aug. 11, at 10:00 a.m. ET to outline next steps.
- The push follows Trump’s March 28 executive order creating a task force to fight crime and address urban blight in the District.
The Big Picture
The U.S. military is preparing to activate hundreds of National Guard members for Washington, D.C., as the administration expands a sweeping federal effort to curb violent crime, carjackings, and visible disorder in the nation’s capital. The potential deployment would add to a growing federal presence already on city streets and set the stage for a broader, multi-agency campaign.
What’s New
The Washington Post reported that roughly 120 FBI agents from offices nationwide have been assigned to overnight patrols at carjacking hot spots across D.C., backing up local and federal officers. Many agents typically do not perform routine street patrols, the Post noted. The administration is also preparing for a National Guard activation to bolster presence, mobility, and logistics for targeted operations. Subsequent references to the Washington Post in this article appear without hyperlinks.
Trump previewed the next phase on Sunday, saying he intends to “clean up” downtown, remove encampments, and address the city’s physical condition. He has scheduled a 10:00 a.m. ET news conference on Monday, Aug. 11, to detail roles, timelines, and coordination across agencies. The effort builds on his March 28 executive order establishing a District-focused task force on crime and urban blight.
What They’re Saying
In a longer post, Trump said the briefing will address crime, “cleanliness,” and the renovation and general condition of federal and city facilities, while promising rapid action to restore order in the core of the capital.
What’s Next
The White House plans to outline how federal agents will work alongside the Metropolitan Police Department and where the Guard—if activated—would be assigned. Key details to watch include deployment size, mission scope, duration, and the rules governing any joint patrols or support functions.
The Bottom Line
Federal involvement in D.C. public safety is accelerating. Supporters see a needed show of force; critics warn of overreach and operational confusion. Monday’s briefing will signal how far—and how fast—the administration intends to go.
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