"If the capital is dirty, the country is dirty"—Trump begins control of Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump of the United States has decided to take control of the Washington, D.C. police and deploy 800 members of the National Guard to the area. In June last year, when protests broke out in Los Angeles, California, President Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in response. Now, he appears to be testing presidential powers in Washington, D.C., where federal government intervention is easier, rather than immediately intervening in other areas. There are emerging possibilities that he could next intervene in Democratic strongholds such as Chicago and New York.

800 National Guard Troops, 500 Federal Agents

On the 11th (local time), President Trump issued an executive order at The White House, invoking Article 740 of the Home Rule Act for the D.C. area, declaring a 'crime state of emergency', and signing an order granting federal control over the local police. He stated, "This is a historic step to save the capital of our country from crime, bloodshed, disorder, and even worse situations," and added, "If the capital is dirty, our whole nation is dirty."

Attorney General Pam Bondi immediately secured control over the D.C. police. According to this law, the president can control the D.C. police for up to 30 days in special situations. After this period, unless Congress passes legislation allowing the extension of federal control, jurisdiction reverts to the local government.

President Trump also ordered Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to call up the National Guard for deployment in D.C. Comprised mainly of local residents, the National Guard will work in 24-hour shifts of 200 people each, assisting the police and focusing on crime suppression.

Additionally, about 500 law enforcement agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and park police are being deployed for patrol duties in Washington, D.C. The White House argued that Washington, D.C. currently has a higher homicide rate (27.3 per 100,000 people in 2024) than some of the world’s most dangerous areas like Bogotá and Mexico City, calling it a "national disgrace." On the other hand, the D.C. police department stresses that the number, which spiked immediately after the pandemic, is now down to about 12.

"D.C. Should Be Governed by the Federal Government" Belief

This is not the first time President Trump has sent federal agents to D.C. The President has direct control over tens of thousands of federal employees. In June 2020, when a 'Black Lives Matter' protest was held near Lafayette Square by The White House, Trump mobilized federal agents such as the FBI to disperse demonstrators.

Even though there was no notably large-scale protest this time, his decision to deploy the National Guard is widely interpreted as a political move. Washington, D.C. is not a full-fledged state but has great symbolic significance, making it a suitable place for the president to test executive powers. President Trump has long argued that D.C. should be governed directly by the federal government.

An assault incident also became a catalyst for this resolution. Edward Koristin (aka 'Big Balls', 19), who was brought in by Elon Musk when he led the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and who is still working with the U.S. government, was attacked by about 10 teenagers early in the morning on the 3rd in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. Although this neighborhood is relatively safe during the day, it is known for its nightlife and considered somewhat risky at night.

On the 5th, President Trump posted a photo of him covered in blood, emphasizing, "Washington, D.C. must become a safe and clean city for the world to see." He, who has previously expressed discomfort at the homeless tents and graffiti in the heart of the city, said, "We will remove homeless encampments and relocate them to the city's outskirts."

Some interpret these measures as attempts to curb Democratic dominance. At the press conference, President Trump said Democratic strongholds such as Chicago and New York could be "next in line." However, while National Guard deployment is possible in these areas, it is impossible to take control of the police.

Democrats are protesting, though their voices are weak. Senator Chris Van Hollen (Democrat–Maryland) denounced this as an "outright authoritarian power grab" and accused the president of "rehearsing the role of a dictator in the capital." Some lawmakers have floated the idea of introducing a bill to prevent the federal government from controlling the police, but it already appears to be too late. Democrats emphasize that President Trump pardoned his supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, after refusing to accept the election results, insisting that their acts were "minor." They argue it is important to discern who the true guardians of the law are.

Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C., said she cannot block the president from exercising authority, insisting, "D.C. should be upgraded to statehood to protect itself from federal interference." She also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of deploying the National Guard, saying, "Providing more manpower and budget would be much more effective."

Washington = Lee Sang-eun, correspondent selee@hankyung.com