President Donald Trump has established a “specialized unit” of the National Guard aimed at addressing crime in Washington, D.C., and other U.S. cities. The executive order allows for the deployment of these units whenever public safety and order are perceived to be at risk. This order gives U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth the authority to send the National Guard to cities as needed, specifically to “quell civil disturbances and ensure public safety.”
Under the provisions outlined in the executive order, Hegseth can equip the National Guard in a manner that allows it to assist federal, state, and local law enforcement. The National Guard can be deployed under Title 32, typically at the request of state governors during emergencies. While the order outlines a new formation of specialized units, it remains unclear what differentiates these from the existing capabilities of the National Guard.
The order also enables collaboration between the National Guard, the U.S. Park Police in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to hire additional personnel. This initiative is intended to bolster efforts aimed at reducing crime in the capital. During a press conference on the day he signed the order, Trump stated, “It charges federal law enforcement agencies with hiring additional personnel to allow them to surge personnel to Washington, D.C., to deal with the current emergency.”
Trump is taking steps to increase federal control over law enforcement in Washington, D.C. In a previous order issued on August 11, 2023, he invoked emergency powers to place the D.C. police force under federal control. This action may face constitutional challenges, as such measures typically require “special conditions of emergency nature” rather than general public safety concerns.
Despite the administration’s focus on crime in Washington, D.C., crime statistics indicate a decline in violent crime in the city since 2023. Before Trump’s presidency, violent crime had reached a thirty-year low in the U.S. Capitol. Critics argue that the executive orders targeting Democratic-run cities are politically motivated. During the press conference, Trump criticized “left-wing states in America,” specifically mentioning Illinois and its cashless bail policies, saying, “I love that state, the great state, but it’s run so badly.”
The executive order reflects ongoing tensions between federal and local law enforcement in cities perceived to be struggling with crime. As Trump continues to advocate for federal intervention, the implications for local governance and law enforcement remain to be seen.
In addition to the political implications of these orders, they coincide with significant historical anniversaries. On August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This amendment states that the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied on account of sex, providing a critical foundation for civil rights in the United States. Similarly, on August 26, 1789, the French National Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man, further emphasizing the ongoing global dialogue about rights and civil liberties.
As the National Guard prepares to assist in law enforcement efforts, the eyes of the nation will be on Washington, D.C., and the broader implications of federal involvement in local policing.