Trump Vows to Patrol DC Streets With Troops Amid ‘Crime Emergency’ Claims

President Donald Trump said he plans to patrol Washington, DC, on Thursday night alongside police and National Guard troops, part of what he calls a response to a “crime emergency” in the nation’s capital.

Trump ordered hundreds of Guard members to Washington last week, vowing to “take our capital back,” despite local protests and police statistics showing violent crime has declined since 2023. About 2,000 troops have been mobilized in total, with reinforcements sent from six Republican-led states.

The deployment has sparked controversy: some residents welcome the show of force, while others call it unnecessary and politically motivated. Protests erupted Wednesday during Vice President JD Vance’s visit with troops, with crowds chanting “Free DC.”

National Guard units have been stationed at landmarks including the National Mall, Union Station, and Nationals Park. The Trump administration has also attempted to assert control over Washington’s police department, raising concerns about federal overreach in the Democratic-led city.

The troop presence follows Trump’s earlier decision to send military forces to Los Angeles during unrest over immigration raids.