Crackdown Moves Beyond Washington
President Donald Trump announced plans to extend his federal crime crackdown to Chicago and New York, describing Chicago as “a mess” and saying New York would follow. The move builds on an aggressive federal campaign targeting Democratic-led cities, many with Black mayors, sparking criticism that the effort is politically and racially motivated.
National Guard to Carry Weapons in the Capital
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that National Guard troops patrolling Washington DC will now be armed, reversing earlier assurances that they would remain unarmed. Nearly 2,000 Guard members are currently deployed in the capital, including reinforcements from Republican-led states. A defense official said troops would carry service-issued weapons consistent with their training and mission.
Trump earlier took direct control of the DC police department and deployed Guard troops under his constitutional authority over the nation’s capital. He claims crime and homelessness in DC amount to a crisis, though local leaders have strongly objected to the federal takeover.
Expanding Federal Authority
Normally, National Guard units operate under the authority of state governors. Federalizing them without consent is rare, but Trump previously did so in California, sending troops into Los Angeles to counter anti-ICE protests. Critics argue such actions undermine state authority and set a troubling precedent.
Legal System Pressured to Get Tougher
The administration is also reshaping prosecutions in the capital. Jeanine Pirro, the District’s top federal prosecutor and a former Fox News host, has ordered her staff to pursue the toughest charges available in most cases, limiting prosecutors’ discretion. The directive could lead to longer sentences for convicted defendants.
At the same time, Pirro instructed prosecutors not to pursue felony charges against individuals simply for possessing rifles or shotguns in DC, despite local laws prohibiting them. She said the decision aligns with Supreme Court guidance and Justice Department policy.
Political and Local Backlash
The White House says federal agents have made more than 630 arrests in Washington as part of the crackdown. Trump has signaled similar operations may expand to Baltimore, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Local leaders have condemned the moves. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said Baltimore is already reducing crime through community-based programs and vowed not to use the Guard “for theatrics.” Baltimore’s mayor, Brandon Scott, accused Trump of singling out Black cities and targeting communities he has never visited.
