President Trump has deployed nearly 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of a federal anti-crime effort. The move comes as the city continues to battle concerns about public safety in several neighborhoods.
This week, soldiers in fatigues were seen patrolling major tourist sites. These included the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Tourists welcomed the added presence, saying it made the city feel safer.
However, many local residents and officials are questioning the strategy. Despite high crime rates in parts of Southeast Washington, especially Ward 8, no military personnel were seen in those areas. Residents there expressed frustration, saying their neighborhoods need more attention.
Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized the deployment, calling it unnecessary. She warned against turning the capital into what she called a “militarized zone.” The Pentagon has confirmed that the soldiers will soon be carrying weapons, although they were unarmed at the time of observation.
Most of the troops came from six Republican-led states. Officials say over 1,200 were sent specifically to support the effort. According to Trump, the crackdown is aimed at reducing crime in key cities. He also hinted at expanding the strategy to places like New York and Chicago.
Some critics believe the move is more political than practical. They point out that Washington’s overall crime rate has been falling in recent years. Community leaders argue that federal agents are already working in troubled areas and that the additional troops are more for show.
Retired military officials say the move is unusual. “This could set a new precedent,” said Major General Randy Manner. He noted that presidents rarely use troops for domestic crime control.
Still, Trump has defended the decision, saying he plans to continue the deployments if needed.
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