President Donald Trump on Monday invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal authority. The move is part of what he called a “historic” effort to combat crime and restore public safety in the nation’s capital.
Trump also announced the deployment of the National Guard to support law enforcement, saying the situation in D.C. is “out of control” and requires decisive federal action.
‘Liberation Day in D.C.’
“This is Liberation Day in D.C.,” Trump said during his announcement. “This is a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, neglect, and chaos.” He added that federal officials, described as “very good people” but “tough,” will be directly involved in the operation.
The National Guard will have authority to “do the job properly,” Trump said, emphasizing that public safety will be restored quickly.
Federal Presence Expanded
The decision follows a weekend statement from the White House confirming that federal agents from multiple agencies had already been ordered to increase their presence in the city. Officers began patrolling high-crime areas late last week.