Police under federal control: controversial Trump decree: Call to protests in Washington

Opponents of US President Donald Trump mobilize protests against his announcement to put the police in Washington under federal control and use soldiers in the US capital. On social media, local accounts were called up to protest: residents should hang posters in their windows and, among other things, take pots in the evening to breathe in their displeasure. Some dozen demonstrators temporarily blocked traffic on a popular outdoor heading in the city center. At first there was no major protests, in the evening (local time) the situation remained largely quiet.

Trump had ordered on Monday by decree that the police in the Washington capital, due to allegedly sophisticated crime, will initially be put under the orders of Justice Minister Pam Bondi. In addition, 800 soldiers from the National Guard should be used. If necessary, Trump wants to mobilize even more emergency services in order to restore public security in the capital – according to the official justification. The case is reminiscent of the heavily controversial use of soldiers on the streets of the west coast metropolis of Los Angeles in June, is legally stored.

“This is what fascism looks like,” called one participant in the demo in the city center across the megafon. Another told the German Press Agency that she wanted to show solidarity with her city-Washington has no problem with crime. “I’m on the road day and night. It’s very safe here,” said Robyn Galbraith. Trump is just looking for an excuse to distract from poor survey values and domestic policy problems, said the retired teacher. Her children threaten a life under “an authoritarian regime”.

Media speak of Novum in US history

Trump claims that the local government of the US capital has lost control of security. He supports his unusual decree on a law called “Home Rule Act”, which the police in Washington puts under Federal Command – and says sentences such as: “We will recapture our capital.” According to US media, it is the first time that a president brings the police in Washington under federal control.

The national guard belonging to the US army, on the other hand, was often active in the capital. The states usually have control over this military reserve unit. In special locations – for example in the case of natural disasters, unrest and emergencies inside – the president can put them under federal command. In the special case of the US capital, which is not a separate state, the national guard is directly subject to the president.

According to the US broadcaster CNN, there seemed to have been little coordination with the democratic mayor Muriel Bowser before Trump’s announcement. It is therefore also unclear how exactly the interaction between local and federal authorities should work.

Other city, the same reproach

The accusation that the government is in the limelight at the expense of the actually responsible authorities is now in the room again – just like a few weeks ago in Los Angeles. At that time, Trump sent soldiers to the streets of the city of the million after protests against the immigration agency of the immigration authority for deterrent – against the express will of California’s democratic governor Gavin Newsom. Critics rated this as a breach of taboo. The dispute has long been fought in court.

Use a maximum of 30 days without congress approval

The US President may initially put up to 48 hours under federal inspection of the Washington’s local police before he has to inform Parliament. Without the consent of both congress chambers – the Senate and House of Representatives – it can stay with it for a maximum of 30 days. A vote is then required. However, the parliament is especially during the summer break, which is why a special regulation should apply that Trump gives a little more time.

Police statistics contradict Trump’s presentation

In the decree, it is also listed as an argument that there is “one of the highest robbery and murder rates among the major cities in the country” in the Federal District Washington.

A look at the crime statistics of the local police shows a decline in the reported offenses. Accordingly, the number of violent crimes fell by a good quarter until the beginning of August of this year compared to the same period last year. The total number of all offenses decreased by seven percent. The number of reported crimes also decreased between 2023 and 2024. According to the public prosecutor’s office of the capital district, the year was with the fewest violent crimes in 2024.

Trump has been making a mood against criminals and homeless people in Washington for weeks. “The homeless have to move away immediately,” he wrote on Sunday on his Truth Social platform. He posted photos that show tents and garbage on the side of the road – with the announcement: “We will offer you accommodation, but far away from the capital.”