6:35Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on Aug. 17, 2025.ABC News
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., emphasized on Sunday that President Donald Trump’s decision to send the National Guard to Washington, D.C., due to fears of rising crime and homelessness constitutes an "abuse of power."
"This is entirely an abuse of power. It’s a created crisis," Van Hollen stated during an interview with "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz. "Clearly, D.C. can do more to combat violent crime, as can the rest of the nation. However, as you noted, crime in D.C. is at its lowest point in 30 years and is on a decline. Therefore, this is simply an opportunity for Donald Trump to act like a dictator in Washington, D.C."
"According to the law, it seems he has the legal power. And Mayor [Muriel] Bowser acknowledged that. So, where exactly is the abuse of power?" Raddatz pressed.
"The abuse of power lies in declaring this an emergency. Anyone observing the situation recognizes that this is not an emergency in Washington, D.C.," Van Hollen contended.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on Aug. 17, 2025.ABC News
The rates of violent crime have fallen when compared to previous years, down 26% since 2024, marking a 30-year low, raising questions about the necessity of deploying approximately 800 troops in the city.
Over the weekend, several Republican-controlled states announced that additional National Guard troops would also be sent to Washington in support of the president’s initiative.
As reports suggest that the National Guard might soon be armed, Van Hollen expressed concern, stating, "That is quite alarming, because, as you know, the National Guard is not meant to engage in local law enforcement activities. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits them from participating in local law enforcement. So, I’m uncertain about why they need to be armed for this situation."
In spite of intense opposition from Democrats such as Van Hollen and protests from some residents of Washington, the White House has stood by its decision to increase federal law enforcement presence in the city and utilize the National Guard as needed and lawful.
Here are more key points from Van Hollen’s interview
On D.C. police chief stating additional law enforcement 'positive'
Raddatz: The mayor indicated this week that the influx of federal police could be beneficial in addressing crime. And indeed, there is a crime issue in D.C. We all reside here. I want you to — I want to play a clip from what D.C.’s police chief, Pamela Smith, stated this week.
Pamela Smith (video clip): You’re talking about 500 additional personnel in the District of Columbia. And as you know, we’ve discussed the fact that we’re short on police officers. Thus, this enhanced presence is certainly going to positively impact us.
Raddatz: So, do you perceive any positives about this?
Van Hollen: I understand the position the police chief is in. The most effective way to support the police chief in Washington, D.C., is for President Trump and Republicans in Congress to allocate the $1 billion in funding that is rightfully theirs so they can hire more police instead of relying on these federal agents.
Furthermore, Martha, I would suggest that taxpayers nationwide, federal taxpayers, should question how we are utilizing national resources, including the FBI and DEA, who are intended to protect the country from violent criminals, and yet they are spending their time dismantling tents of homeless individuals in
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
