Trump Says He May Deploy National Guard In D.C.
President Donald Trump signaled on Wednesday that he may call in the National Guard to restore order in Washington, D.C., citing a rise in violent crime and the city’s failure to act decisively.
Speaking at the White House, Trump didn’t mince words when asked whether he was considering a federal takeover of policing in the nation’s capital.
“We’re considering it, yeah, because the crime is ridiculous,” Trump said. “Bringing in the National Guard, maybe, very quickly, too.”
“Are you considering taking over the D.C. Police?”@POTUS: “We’re considering it, yeah, because the crime is ridiculous … That includes bringing in the National Guard, maybe, very quickly, too.” pic.twitter.com/IkAIFhiVzP
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 6, 2025
The president has floated the idea of federalizing control of Washington, D.C. in recent weeks, and he reiterated that broader vision on Wednesday — promising not only to restore law and order but also to clean up the city itself. “We’re going to beautify the city,” Trump added, pointing to a larger initiative aimed at removing graffiti and fixing infrastructure.
Trump brought attention to the brutal attack on 19-year-old government staffer Ed Coristine, also known by his nickname “Big Balls,” who was hospitalized after intervening in a carjacking. Trump said Coristine was “a beautiful, handsome guy who got the hell knocked out of him,” and confirmed plans to call him personally as he recovers.
The president referenced a photo of the bloodied staffer, which he shared on Truth Social the day before, warning city leaders that if they can’t get violent crime under control, “we will.”
Billionaire Elon Musk, who has worked with Coristine through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, publicly supported Trump’s remarks. Their alignment has added weight to the growing push for federal intervention in the capital.
Democrat Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District’s non-voting delegate in Congress, pushed back on the idea, claiming Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally take control of D.C. “Congress would have to pass a law,” she posted on X, vowing to block any attempt to revoke home rule.
Trump dismissed that obstacle, saying legal experts are already reviewing the matter. “The lawyers are studying it. This has to be the best-run place in the country, not the worst-run place in the country,” he said. “And it has so much potential. And we’re going to take care of it. You’re going to be safe … walking down streets.”
Some Republican lawmakers are reportedly exploring options to roll back the D.C. Home Rule Act, opening the door for Congress and the White House to reclaim greater authority over the city. The move would allow Trump to follow through on his promise to bring law, order, and leadership back to the nation’s capital — by force if necessary.