Trump Deploys National Guard Troops in D.C., Prompting "Authoritarian" Accusations from Mayor

National Guard members stand watch near the Washington Monument on Tuesday evening. (Credit: Kenny Holston/The New York Times)

WASHINGTON D.C. – National Guard troops began deploying near the Washington Monument Tuesday evening, marking the initial phase of President Trump’s controversial plan to use federal force to combat crime in the nation's capital. The sight of military vehicles near the iconic landmark created a stark contrast with residents jogging and walking dogs as the sun set.

The deployment follows President Trump’s description of Washington D.C. as a crime-ridden "wasteland," a characterization disputed by city officials who note crime has actually decreased over the past two years. An Army official stated troops gathered at the D.C. Armory and were expected to deploy near national monuments and a Park Police facility in Anacostia.

However, the initial show of force appeared muted. Approximately a dozen troops arrived in five vehicles near the Monument, took photos with visitors, and departed after roughly two hours. "We just did a presence patrol to be amongst the people, to be seen," stated Master Sgt. Cory Boroff. "Of the people, for the people in D.C."

Federal Takeover and Escalating Tensions

President Trump invoked a law allowing him to take control of the District's police force for up to 30 days. Officials plan to deploy 800 National Guard members and about 500 federal law enforcement agents. While Guard troops reportedly lack arrest powers, federal agents began foot patrols over the weekend.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared the crackdown "just beginning," vowing to "relentlessly pursue and arrest every violent criminal" in D.C. over the next month. She cited a federal task force making 23 arrests Monday and FBI Director Kash Patel claiming 10 arrests in the "first big push."

Local Leaders Deeply Divided

The federal intervention has sharply divided local leaders. Mayor Muriel Bowser initially expressed a desire to "make the most of federal support" after a Tuesday morning meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who called it "productive." However, by Tuesday evening, Mayor Bowser’s stance hardened significantly.

In a live town hall, Bowser denounced Trump's actions as an "authoritarian push" and an "intrusion on our autonomy." She forcefully rejected his depiction of the city: "We are not 700,000 scumbags and punks. We don’t have neighborhoods that should be bulldozed." Bowser suggested the operation aimed for "good TV" and urged parents to keep children away from large street gatherings.

Conversely, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith stated the federal-local partnership would "make our city even better," focusing on "pockets of crime." She said residents would see local and federal officers "working side by side."

Concerns Over Racial Profiling and Past Precedent

Civil rights advocates warned of dire consequences. "This is not about preventing crime. It’s about political theater and federal control," said Clinique Chapman, CEO of DC Justice Lab. "Young Black boys will bear the brunt... We are going to see this damage done for years to come."

The deployment recalls Trump's 2020 use of federal agents against racial justice protests in D.C., which increased tensions and led to violent clashes, including agents forcibly clearing Lafayette Square. A Justice Department Inspector General later criticized the 2020 deployment. Federal officials are also demanding changes to D.C. laws limiting sentences for juveniles convicted of violent crimes, highlighted by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro alongside photos of murder victims.

Uncertain Command and Homeless Policy

The new command structure, placing Trump at the top with DEA Administrator Terry Cole overseeing local police, raises questions about resolving disagreements. While Bowser acknowledged the President's statutory authority, she asserted the city retains hiring/firing power over police personnel.

Leavitt also announced D.C. officials would clear homeless encampments following Trump's social media order that "The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY." She stated offers of shelter and services would be made first, with fines or jail possible for refusal.

As federal troops and agents establish their presence, the city braces for a month defined by an unprecedented federal intervention, clashing political narratives, and deep concerns about civil liberties and racial equity.