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Trump deploys National Guard in Washington

The president invokes the fight against crime, but official data tells a different story

National Guard troops began deploying in Washington today, following Donald Trump’s order as part of his plan to combat what he calls “uncontrolled” crime in the capital. Army spokesman Colonel Dave Butler told ABC News that the military will provide logistical support to local police and ensure a visible presence in the National Mall area, the institutional and monumental heart of the United States.

The mobilisation, which is only possible in cases of extraordinary emergency invoked by the president, is limited to the protection of federal property and personnel, unless a state of insurrection is declared. On 11 August, Trump announced “historic action” to “take back the capital”, denouncing the presence of “violent and bloodthirsty gangs” and comparing Washington to cities such as Baghdad and Bogota.

His claims were strongly refuted by the mayor and official data: according to the Department of Justice, the crime rate in Washington in 2024 was the lowest in 30 years. The measure, contested by the opposition and local administration, marks a new chapter in the tug-of-war over federal control of the city.

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