JAKARTA - United States President Donald Trump on Thursday said Washington residents were "already feeling very safe", after he ordered federal agencies and members of the National Guard to patrol roads to support local law enforcement.
The White House said the move was necessary amid a spike in violent crimes, although city officials said crimes had declined in recent years.
"I received calls from many friends, including from the Democratic Party, many friends from the Democratic Party and they are very grateful for what I did in DC," President Trump told reporters from the Oval Room. August 15
"So, we will soon control crime in DC," he said.
President Trump further said Washington officials and police had "forgered" the statistics of crime to make it appear as if incidents of violence were decreasing.
Today, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) for the District of Columbia National Guard, visited Soldiers positioned at locations around the District as part of the DC Safe and Beautiful Taskforce. pic.twitter.com/CusOfjqUNJ
— District of Columbia National Guard (@DCGuard1802) August 14, 2025
Today, US Army Brig. Gen. calm D. Laughs II, Commanding General (Interim) for the District of Columbia National Guard, visited Soldiers positioned at locations around the District as part of the DC Safe and Beautiful Taskforce. pic.twitter.com/CusOfjqunJ
"We will expel criminals from here. People are very happy to see our military enter DC and expel these criminals from there," he said.
Federal interventions were supposed to last 30 days, but President Trump said he would ask Republicans in Congress to push for an extension.
A significant increase in the number of troops and federal agents could be seen on the streets on Thursday, after the White House said the day before there would be more troops patrolling.
It said more arrests were being made and the homeless were forced to remove their tents from public spaces.
The Pentagon said 800 members of the National Guard that have been activated will have missions that include the security of monuments and public safety patrols.
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They will not be armed, according to the Pentagon, and the White House said they would help control the crowd but would not make arrests.
Separately, National Guard Major Micah Maxwell said troops would assist federal and local law enforcement in various roles, including traffic and crowd control.
Guard members have been trained in de-escalation tactics as well as the use of proper mass control equipment, Major Maxwell said.
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