Today, President Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and deploying approximately 800 National Guard troops to assist with law enforcement efforts. He described the action as “historic,” aimed at restoring order and addressing perceived spikes in crime and homelessness in the capital.
Despite Trump’s claims, recent data shows that violent crime in D.C. has declined by around 26% over the past year, with homicides down by double digits. The federal intervention has sparked intense debate—some see it as necessary, while others criticize it as a serious overreach and a blow to D.C.’s autonomy and home rule traditions.
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