Trump deploys National Guard troops to tackle rising crime in D.C

In response to a surge in violent crime, Donald Trump has deployed more than 800 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as of August 11, 2025. This deployment aims to assist local law enforcement and has reportedly resulted in over 550 arrests since its initiation, contributing to efforts against gangs such as MS-13. The use of National Guard troops has sparked controversy, with critics alleging that the move politically intimidates opponents in Democrat-controlled areas and raises concerns about militarized policing. The National Guard's mission in D.C. has been highlighted as a potential model for other cities suffering from crime, such as Chicago and Los Angeles. Trump believes this strategy could restore order and safety, thereby reinsuring prosperity and local investment. Law enforcement officials and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll have defended the deployment, emphasizing the motivation of the troops to support their communities and reduce the strain on local police, which have reportedly been overwhelmed. Critics, however, argue that deploying military forces for civil law enforcement could lead to a slippery slope, diminishing civil liberties and normalizing militarized responses to crime. Various lawmakers, including Democrats, have opposed Trump's tactics, alleging that the deployment undermines local governance and infringes on state rights. Such sentiments highlight the tension existing between the Trump administration's approach and the legal boundaries of using military forces domestically. As the D.C. deployment progresses, various criticisms regarding potential overreach and the militarization of policing will likely continue. Experts in law enforcement and civil rights express concern over the legal justifications for implementing this tactic, as state and local law enforcement typically bear the responsibility for crime suppression. The debates surrounding this issue raise fundamental questions about authority, safety, and the definition of law enforcement in American democracy.