Trump conveniently *discovers* he actually does control the DC National Guard

Here's how we prevent others from falling for the distraction OR taking the bait

Trump’s Federal Takeover of D.C. Isn’t About Safety — It’s About Power

Today, President Trump took the extraordinary step of seizing control of Washington, D.C.’s police department and deploying the D.C. National Guard onto city streets. He claimed this was necessary to “protect” the city — but the facts tell a different story.

Let’s start with the hypocrisy: On January 6th, Trump argued he couldn’t call up the Guard because it was the D.C. Mayor’s, or Nancy Pelosi’s, or anyone else’s responsibility. Now, he’s suddenly discovered broad powers under the Home Rule Act to override the Mayor, the City Council, and police leadership — all of whom opposed this move.

This is a manufactured crisis. Crime in D.C. is down — violent crime has dropped 26% and homicides are down 12% compared to last year. Yes, during and after the pandemic, D.C. faced serious crime problems, and yes, local leaders still need to focus on enforcement and crime. But the picture now is far better than it was two years ago. There is no public safety emergency.

What’s really happening?

Trump is creating a made-for-TV confrontation — like we saw earlier this summer in Los Angeles — to distract from two major political problems:

• The never-going-to-die Epstein files saga, and his personal involvement and close friendship with the serial predator, and

• Rising prices and the cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by his own tariffs.

Of course, it’s not uncommon for political leaders, including presidents, to try to change the narrative when things aren’t look great for them. But using the military for domestic law enforcement — especially in situations that don’t warrant it — is not just unprecedented, it’s foolish and dangerous.

The National Guard is not trained for everyday policing, and pulling them into this role erodes trust, undermines their mission, and politicizes our military. It’s also expensive: this unnecessary deployment will cost taxpayers millions in overtime pay at a time when we need to be saving money, not burning it on political stunts.

If you’re talking to friends about what’s happening in D.C., here’s the case to make:

• Acknowledge that crime should remain a priority for city leaders — but there is no crisis justifying this federal takeover.

• Remind them that military force should be under civilian control and used only in true emergencies.

• Point out the hypocrisy between Trump’s January 6th excuse and today’s power grab.

• Ask the question: If he can do this to D.C. without legitimate cause, where will he do it next?

Don’t give him what he wants!

Protests and public pushback must remain peaceful. Trump wants a flashpoint. He wants images he can use to sell his story of “chaos” and “lawlessness.” Don’t give him that. Give him citizens united in calm, determined opposition.

This action isn’t about protecting D.C. — it’s about protecting Trump’s own interests. And that’s a precedent America cannot afford to set.