President Donald Trump has ordered the creation of a “specialized unit” within the National Guard to combat crime in Washington D.C. and other cities across the United States. The directive aims to enhance public safety and restore order in areas deemed to have lost control. The announcement was made during a press conference where Trump signed the executive order, which is designed to equip and train these specialized units to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies when necessary.
The order specifically empowers Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, to deploy the National Guard to cities experiencing civil disturbances. This initiative falls under Title 32, which allows the National Guard to operate within the U.S. during emergencies, typically at the request of state governors. Despite this authority, it remains unclear what differentiates these newly established units from existing National Guard capabilities.
In addition to the specialized units, the order permits the National Guard and the U.S. Park Police in Washington D.C. to recruit additional personnel. This move aims to bolster efforts to reduce crime in the capital. Trump emphasized the need for these units, stating, “It charges the Secretary of Defense with establishing specialized units in the DC National Guard specifically trained and equipped to deal with public order issues.”
The executive order also instructs federal law enforcement agencies to enhance their personnel capabilities in response to what Trump described as a current emergency. This directive includes a review of existing Metropolitan Police orders that may hinder effective law enforcement in the city.
Trump’s ongoing push for federal oversight of D.C.’s police force is not new. On August 11, 2023, he invoked emergency powers to place the city’s police under federal control. Legal experts note that such actions may face constitutional challenges, as they require “special conditions of emergency nature,” rather than general public safety concerns.
Interestingly, Trump’s heightened focus on crime in Washington D.C. contrasts sharply with the city’s crime statistics, which have shown a downward trend since 2023. Prior to Trump’s presidency, violent crime rates in the U.S. capital had reached a 30-year low. Critics claim that the executive orders targeting Democrat-led cities, including Washington D.C., are politically motivated.
During the press conference, Trump criticized what he described as “left-wing states,” particularly targeting Illinois and its cashless bail policies. “I love that state, the great state, but it’s run so badly,” he remarked, highlighting his administration’s focus on crime in urban areas.
As the situation evolves, the implications of this executive order will likely resonate throughout the U.S. political landscape, particularly in light of the ongoing debates surrounding law enforcement and public safety.
