Former US President Donald Trump has called for the National Guard to be deployed in Washington DC to address a sharp rise in violent crime across the nation's capital. The controversial proposal comes amid growing concerns over public safety in the city.
Trump's Hardline Stance on Crime
In a strongly worded statement, Trump criticised the current administration's approach to crime prevention, claiming that "weak leadership" had allowed lawlessness to flourish. "The National Guard must be sent in immediately to restore order," he declared.
DC's Rising Crime Statistics
Official figures show violent crime in Washington DC has increased by nearly 40% compared to last year, with carjackings and robberies seeing particularly sharp spikes. Local police have struggled to contain the surge despite additional funding for law enforcement.
Political Reactions
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from political figures. Some Republican lawmakers have backed Trump's call, while Democratic leaders argue it represents an overreach of federal power. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has previously resisted similar suggestions, emphasising local control over policing matters.
Security experts warn that deploying military personnel for domestic law enforcement raises complex constitutional and practical questions about the role of armed forces in civilian policing.
