U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he will deploy the National Guard across Washington, D.C., and take control of the city’s police department in an effort to tackle crime. Declaring a public safety emergency, Trump said he wants to turn the capital into a 'military garrison' because he believes its security is worse than in cities like Baghdad, Brasília, and Bogota. The city’s mayor, however, says crime is already going down. Trump also revealed plans to remove homeless camps and slums from public parks, and appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to oversee Washington’s police. He criticized potholes and wall paintings in the city, calling them 'shameful.'
What does American law say?
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According to the U.S. Constitution, the federal government has more authority over the capital compared to other cities. Before 1973, there were no council elections in Washington. President Richard Nixon approved the Home Rule Act, and since then, mayoral elections began in Washington. Despite the federal government and Congress having greater power, no president has interfered with Washington’s police power until now.
According to Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, the President can take control of the Metropolitan Police for 48 hours. If needed, this can be extended for 30 days. However, no president has ever done this. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is deploying the National Guard in Washington citing recent incidents of crime. Trump has not disclosed how many days the National Guard will be deployed in Washington.
The Home Rule Act advocates for local administration. Still, the President has the authority to deploy the National Guard in Washington. Earlier in 2020, the National Guard was deployed in Washington. At that time, there was an incident involving helicopters flying at very low heights near crowds. Following that, the National Guard had to be deployed. Also, after President Trump lost the election and his supporters started rioting at Capitol Hill, the National Guard was called in.
Trump’s focus on Democrat-controlled cities
After Donald Trump became President, legal battles started in many cities including Washington. Cities like Los Angeles also have Democratic mayors. Trump approached the courts, but the courts outright refused to intervene in this matter.
President Trump says he wants to 'liberate Washington' and end oppression on innocent people. Meanwhile, the mayor has expressed concern that the National Guard should at least not be used for street patrols. Reports also say that about 500 federal law enforcement officers will be deployed in Washington. In addition, over 100 FBI agents will be deployed to curb tobacco, alcohol, explosives, and gun culture.
Experts say it is not certain how much Trump’s move will reduce crime, but he will likely succeed in promoting his policies against the Democrats.