Trump Vows to Patrol DC Streets With Troops Amid ‘Crime Emergency’

President Donald Trump has announced plans to personally patrol the streets of Washington, D.C., alongside troops he deployed to the capital, describing the situation as a “crime emergency.”

Speaking on Newsmax, Trump declared: “I’m going to be going out tonight I think with the police and with the military of course… We’re going to be doing a job.”

The move follows his order last week to send hundreds of National Guard soldiers into the city, promising to “take our capital back.” His decision has divided opinion among residents, with some welcoming the show of force while others argue it is unnecessary given that crime statistics have actually declined.

Despite official data showing a drop in violent crime between 2023 and 2024, Trump has insisted Washington is unsafe and has pushed for direct control of the city’s police department, even attempting to sideline its leadership.

TROOPS DEPLOYED ACROSS THE CAPITAL

According to the D.C. National Guard, 800 personnel are already on the ground, supported by around 1,200 more from Republican-led states including Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Soldiers have been stationed in key areas such as the National Mall, major monuments, and Nationals Park baseball stadium.

On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller visited troops at Union Station. But the reception was hostile. Loud boos echoed as Vance walked into a fast-food restaurant nearby, with protesters chanting “Free DC! Free DC!”

Vance brushed off the jeers, saying they came from “a bunch of crazy protesters.”

PUBLIC BACKLASH AND SYMBOLIC RESISTANCE

The military buildup has sparked viral moments across the city. One man was arrested after hurling a sandwich at an officer, earning him the nickname “sandwich guy.” Banksy-style posters celebrating him have since appeared across Washington.

The National Guard defended its presence, saying on its official X account that troops have provided “critical support such as crowd management, presence patrols, and perimeter control in support of law enforcement.”

POLITICS AND PERCEPTION

Republican critics describe Washington as plagued by crime, homelessness, and mismanagement. But many residents counter that the city is being used as a political stage, especially as Trump’s heavy-handed tactics mirror his earlier deployment of troops to Los Angeles following unrest tied to immigration raids.

As tensions mount, the capital remains under a visible military watch — with Trump signaling he intends to make that presence personal.