Trump plans to patrol Washington, D.C., with military and police amid crime concerns

In Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump announced he would patrol the city on Thursday night alongside police and National Guard troops amid an ongoing federal effort to crack down on crime. This announcement comes in response to a perceived crime emergency, which Trump has cited multiple times during his administration, despite local crime statistics indicating that crime rates have been lower in recent years. The federal government has taken control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, following Trump's order earlier in August to federalize local law enforcement under the Home Rule Act provisions. Since initiating this strategy, Trump has mobilized National Guard troops dispatched from several states to assist patrolling efforts in the city, which has raised concerns and criticism from local officials and residents. A poll indicated that a significant majority, approximately 79%, of D.C. residents are opposed to Trump's order, emphasizing a disconnection between the administration's actions and local sentiment. Critics have argued that the federal presence is politically motivated and fails to address the actual issues faced by the community. Vice President JD Vance, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials, previously visited the National Guard personnel stationed in the city, where they were met with protests from residents expressing their discontent with the increased military presence. While Trump and his administration have been vocal about reducing crime and making the city safer, there is skepticism regarding the effectiveness of their approach and the reality of crime statistics. The administration's initiative has included efforts to address homelessness in the area, which has been a point of contention among critics who argue that it ignores the complexities of social issues and mental health. The patrol conducted by Trump is intended to be a demonstration of strength and commitment to law enforcement, but it remains to be seen how it will be received in the community and whether it will yield any tangible improvements in public safety.