Trump takes over D.C. police. Will other cities be next?
Aug 11, 2025•11 min
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Summary
President Trump stated his administration would take control of D.C. police and deploy the National Guard due to perceived high crime, also hinting at interventions in other cities. However, local crime statistics contradict his claims, showing D.C.'s violent crime at a three-decade low. The episode explores D.C.'s unique legal status ("Home Rule") that permits such a federal takeover, the practical implications for residents and law enforcement, and the broader political ramifications of federalizing local power, including the limited legal basis for similar actions in other states.Episode description
President Trump said he’s taking over Washington and announced he’s deploying the National Guard to the city.
And he made another big promise: that his administration would take control of the D.C. police.
The president also mentioned other cities across the country with what he says are high levels of crime.
As President Trump pledges to use his executive authority to control law enforcement in the nation's capital, there are questions about what happens now and what this might mean for other cities across the country.
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And he made another big promise: that his administration would take control of the D.C. police.
The president also mentioned other cities across the country with what he says are high levels of crime.
As President Trump pledges to use his executive authority to control law enforcement in the nation's capital, there are questions about what happens now and what this might mean for other cities across the country.
For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.
Email us at considerthis@npr.org.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
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