0:42A convoy of soldiers from the 273rd Military Police Company, Washington, D.C. National Guard, arrives at the National Mall to carry out patrol operations on August 12, 2025. Staff Sgt. Deonte Rowell/AU.S. Army
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced his intention to pursue more lasting federal oversight of the police force in Washington, D.C., as part of his ongoing initiatives to enhance crime enforcement in the capital.
Earlier this week, Trump revealed his strategy to deploy National Guard personnel in the capital, declaring a public safety emergency to place the Washington police department under federal jurisdiction and position the National Guard throughout the city. The current federal oversight of the D.C. police force will lapse in 30 days, necessitating Congressional input thereafter.
When asked on Wednesday if he would collaborate with Congress to extend the emergency authorization permitting him to temporarily take control of local law enforcement, Trump stated his intention to seek a “long-term” continuation of federal authority over the Washington police.
President Donald Trump responds to a press inquiry during a visit to the Kennedy Center in Washington, August 13, 2025. Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
"We're going to be requesting extensions on that — long-term extensions, because you can't have just 30 days," Trump remarked at an event at the Kennedy Center.
Trump suggested at one point that he would request additional funding from Congress to combat crime and renovate Washington’s streets and parks.
"We're going to enhance the beauty of Washington. We're going to repair roads. We're going to refresh the medians. The pavers and medians are scattered throughout the city. We're going to eliminate all the graffiti. We'll have to remove the tents. And those residing in our parks, we're going to be revitalizing the parks, the grass and everything. We're going to Congress for a relatively modest sum. And [Senate Budget Committee chair and GOP Sen.] Lindsey [Graham] and the Republicans will support it," Trump stated.
Trump has frequently threatened to take charge of Washington, asserting his desire to clamp down on violent crime in the District, even though police data indicates that violent crime rates have decreased over the past two years.
"Addressing crime is essential. We need to clarify that we are committed to combating crime — that’s a positive endeavor," Trump expressed on Wednesday. "Already they're labeling me as a dictator," he remarked, referring to Democrats. "The place is deteriorating. We must put an end to it. So instead of claiming, 'He's a dictator,' they should say, 'We're going to join him and ensure Washington is safe.'"
A convoy of soldiers from the 273rd Military Police Company, Washington, D.C. National Guard, arrives at the National Mall to conduct patrol operations, August 12, 2025. Staff Sgt. Deonte Rowell/AU.S. Army
"We're going to achieve a state that is essentially crime-free. This will become a beacon and also serve as a model for what can be accomplished," Trump stated.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the Adjutant General of the District of Columbia Army National Guard, engages with soldiers from the 273rd Military Police Company during patrol operations at the National Mall on August 12, 2025. Staff Sgt. Deonte Rowell/U.S. ArmySourse: abcnews.go.com
