At a high-profile presser today, President Donald Trump announced sweeping federal actions targeting crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C., proposed national bail reform, and offered a cautious preview of his upcoming summit with President Putin.
Federal Takeover of D.C. Police and National Guard Deployment
President Trump declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., invoking Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control. Attorney General Pam Bondi will oversee the department, with DEA Administrator Terry Cole appointed as interim federal commissioner. The action comes amid Trump’s criticism of rising crime and his pledge to “take our capital back.”
He further ordered the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to reinforce law enforcement.
Officials said the intervention follows reports of homelessness and crime in public areas, although city data indicates violent crime is down 26%, overall crime down 7%, and homicides and carjackings at multi-year lows.
No-Cash Bail Reform Push
As part of his broader crime crackdown, Trump urged Congress to end no-cash bail policies in U.S. cities, asserting they contribute to rising crime. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is expected to spearhead the effort, while Washington’s U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro backed tougher juvenile sentencing. Critics argue Trump mischaracterizes bail reform’s effects, citing successful reductions in crime and jail populations.
Federal Control Prompts Legal and Civil Rights Pushback
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the intervention as “unsettling” and “unprecedented,” disputing the need given crime’s decline. District Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the takeover “unlawful,” while civil rights figures like Rev. Al Sharpton portrayed it as targeting a predominately Black city.
Outlook on Trump–Putin Summit
Trump lightly framed his looming summit with President Putin in Alaska as a “feel out” meeting. He expressed skepticism about outcomes, saying he would quickly assess if a genuine deal is possible—and emphasized any agreement must involve Ukraine directly. Trump also criticized President Zelenskyy’s hesitance over constitutional approval and territorial compromise, but reaffirmed that Ukraine must remain central in talks.
