President Donald Trump said Monday he is assuming federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C., citing what he described as an emergency need to address crime in the nation’s capital.
Speaking from the White House briefing room, Trump declared a public safety emergency under the Home Rule Act, which allows a president to temporarily oversee the city’s police department in “special conditions of an emergency nature.” The move also permits him to activate the D.C. National Guard without local approval, though troops will assist only in support roles and will not have arrest powers.
“Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and criminals,” Trump said. “We’re not going to let it happen anymore.”
Trump announced that Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole will lead the Metropolitan Police Department under federal authority. Cole, who became DEA chief in July, will oversee operations for up to 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. The White House is required to notify lawmakers within 48 hours outlining the justification for the takeover.
The president was joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Federal officials said additional personnel from the DEA, FBI, Secret Service and other agencies have already been deployed around the city in recent days.
Trump’s announcement follows several high-profile crimes involving individuals with government ties, including the death of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym in July and a carjacking earlier this month that injured Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, a former staff member with the Department of Government Efficiency.
While District data show overall crime dropped 35% in 2024 and violent crime is down so far in 2025, Trump questioned the accuracy of those statistics, citing reports of a police commander accused of altering numbers.
It was unclear Monday whether the White House coordinated the move with D.C. officials. A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to comment.
Trump also pledged to remove homeless encampments, saying, “Washington, D.C., should be one of the safest, cleanest and most beautiful cities anywhere in the world. And we’re going to make it that.”
