Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
The U.S. capital has entered a new phase of political and social unrest following the White House’s decision to deploy the National Guard across Washington, D.C., around the clock, a move that has triggered protests, legal questions, and fierce political backlash.
President Donald Trump, citing what he described as a “public safety emergency,” announced earlier this week that his administration would assume control of the city’s police operations for at least 30 days. The unprecedented step includes the presence of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agencies patrolling the streets of the capital, with plans for further escalation if needed.
“The levels of crime have reached an emergency point that cannot be contained without federal intervention,” Trump stated. However, local crime data tells a different story: violent crime rates in Washington have recently fallen to their lowest levels in three decades, following a sharp spike two years ago.
Streets of D.C. Erupt in Protest
Residents in Northwest D.C. took to the streets Wednesday to voice their opposition. Demonstrators gathered along 14th Street, where a newly erected law enforcement checkpoint screened vehicles. Protesters chanted “Go home!” and “Get off our streets,” with some attempting to dissuade drivers from entering the controlled area.
The deployment comes amid broader concerns about growing federal control over local law enforcement. Initially, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser denounced the move as “authoritarian overreach,” though she later acknowledged it may provide short-term security benefits, albeit without clear metrics for success.
Widening Federal Presence
In recent days, small groups of federal agents including personnel from the FBI, DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were spotted throughout the city. But Wednesday marked a notable escalation, with National Guard units also appearing at critical infrastructure sites. According to a National Guard spokesperson, their responsibilities will increase starting Thursday.
Joint operations between local and federal forces have already resulted in more than 100 arrests over two nights, including 43 detentions on Wednesday alone. Offenses ranged from traffic violations and DUI charges to illegal weapons possession and one outstanding warrant for assault with a deadly weapon.
Mixed Political Reactions
The move has sharply divided political leaders in Washington. Councilmember Christina Henderson dismissed the wave of arrests as routine law enforcement activity, saying, “This looks like a normal night in any large American city. There’s nothing here to justify military-style oversight.”
According to U.S. law, the president can take control of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for up to 30 days, with any extension requiring congressional approval, a likely flashpoint with Democrats. Nevertheless, Trump has hinted at seeking a longer-term federal role and even suggested invoking a national emergency if necessary.
Homeless Encampments Cleared Amid Crackdown
Simultaneously, the administration has moved forward with the controversial removal of homeless encampments across the city. Dozens of tents have been dismantled since March. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the policy, asserting that displaced individuals are being offered shelter and treatment options. Those who refuse may face fines or legal penalties.
Yet many residents remain unconvinced. “Even law-abiding citizens no longer feel safe,” said Sheena Taylor, a local resident. “As Black Americans, we live with the fear that any traffic stop could escalate.”
Strained Police Resources and Security Doubts
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that the department is operating with a shortfall of nearly 800 officers. While she welcomed the temporary federal assistance, critics argue the plan lacks transparency and measurable goals. Mayor Bowser noted that her most recent meeting with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi offered little clarity beyond “more boots on the ground and more guns taken off the streets.”
Although violent crime has declined, experts like Adam Gelb, head of the Council on Criminal Justice, caution that D.C.’s crime rates remain above the national average for major U.S. cities. He warned against interpreting short-term statistics as justification for sweeping policy shifts.
Federal Control Deepens the Political Divide
The deployment has reignited long-standing debates about Washington’s lack of statehood and autonomy. Critics say the move represents an alarming assertion of federal control, especially by a president with a contentious history toward the city’s Democratic leadership. Many see the move as another chapter in Trump’s ongoing political feud with his opponents, one that plays out not just in Congress, but now in the capital’s very streets.
As National Guard patrols continue and checkpoints multiply, Washingtonians are left navigating a city under partial lockdown, with civil liberties, political power, and public safety hanging in the balance. Whether this temporary measure will fade or evolve into a more permanent assertion of federal control remains a deeply divisive and unresolved question.
