STORY: President Donald Trump said on Monday (August 11) he was deploying 800 National Guard troops to the U.S. capital and putting Washington's police department under federal control to combat what he said was a wave of lawlessness, despite statistics showing that violent crime hit a 30-year low in 2024.

Trump's announcement is his latest effort to target Democratic-run cities by exercising executive power over traditionally local matters, and he has shown particular interest in asserting more control over Washington.

The Republican president has dismissed criticism that he is manufacturing a crisis to justify expanding presidential authority in a heavily Democratic city.

Hundreds of officers and agents from over a dozen federal agencies, including the FBI, ICE, DEA and ATF, have fanned out across the city in recent days.

Trump said he would also send in the U.S. military "if needed," and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he was prepared to call in additional National Guard troops from outside Washington. Attorney-General Pam Bondi will oversee the police force takeover, Trump said.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SPEAKING ABOUT THE DEPLOYMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS IN WASHINGTON D.C.; U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEGSETH & ATTORNEY GENERAL, PAM BONDI, SPEAKING TO MEDIA

SHOWS: WASHINGTON D.C., UNITED STATES (AUGUST 11, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all)

1. WIDE OF PRESS CONFERENCE WITH U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, AND OTHER OFFICIALS

2. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“The Metropolitan Police Department and the federal authorities will be supported in the effort, really big effort. The 800 D.C. National Guardsmen that we'll put on, and much more if necessary. Much more. It's, you remember I said, I offered 10,000 once. Remember I said to a certain person, a person who I thought always was highly overrated, not very competent. But I said, if you need them, we'll give you 10,000 of the military or the National Guard. They turned me down. But if necessary, we're going to move service members directly to joining the guardsmen. And that will take place very rapidly, and that will be done in conjunction with Pam and with Pete and everybody else.”

3. WHITE FLASH

4. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEGSETH, SAYING:

“At your direction this morning, we've mobilized the D.C. National Guard. It'll be operationalized by the Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, through the D.C. Guard. You will see them flowing into the streets of Washington in the coming week. At your direction as well, sir, there are other units we are prepared to bring in. Other National Guard units, other specialized units. They will be strong, they will tough, and they will stand with their law enforcement partners.”

5. WHITE FLASH

6. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEGSETH, SAYING:

“We will work alongside all D.C. Police and federal law enforcement to ensure this city is safe, this city is beautiful. And as I always say about President Trump to the troops, he has their back. And my message to the National Guard and federal law enforcement in Washington is - we have your back as well. Be tough, be strong. We're right behind you. Thank you, Mr. President.”

7. WHITE FLASH

8. (SOUNDBITE)(English) U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL, PAM BONDI, SAYING:

“Let me be crystal clear. Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here. President, thank you for caring about our Capitol. Families come here every summer. Our museums are free. We have the National Zoo. We the National Gallery. D. C. should be a place where everyone can come and feel safe. Behind me and to my side, we have some of the best career law enforcement and prosecutors in the country who are ready to take this on.”