National Guard mobilizes in DC for Trump’s police takeover and crime crackdown

President Donald Trump has initiated a takeover of Washington D.C.'s law enforcement, mobilizing approximately 800 National Guard members to combat crime in the district. These guardsmen will support the Metropolitan Police Department for at least 30 days, providing logistics, transportation, and security, though they will not have arrest powers but can detain suspects. The MPD will be temporarily managed by DEA Administrator Terry Cole, reporting to Attorney General Pam Bondi. This action follows the deployment of 850 federal officers and agents earlier in the week, with the administration vowing to relentlessly pursue violent criminals. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the goal is to make the nation's capital the "most beautiful, safe city on earth." The administration plans to reassess progress and potentially work with Congress on bail and juvenile offender laws. Simultaneously, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, while partially supporting the takeover, has used the situation to advocate for D.C. statehood, highlighting the district's lack of full autonomy and control over its National Guard.