Front Burner Why has Trump taken over D.C.?
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Aug 13, 2025 
Alex Shephard, a Senior Editor at The New Republic, explores Donald Trump's military takeover of Washington D.C., raising questions about its true motives given the low crime rates. He discusses the political implications of deploying the National Guard amidst claims of lawlessness and the historical context of military intervention. Shephard critiques the blend of racial and gender biases in Trump's disdain for the city and how this could set a precedent for federal overreach in other cities. The dialogue sheds light on the ongoing tensions between governance and authority.
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Viral Assault Fueled The Response
- Edward Corustein (nicknamed Big Balls) was severely beaten in an incident that conservative media amplified.
- That assault and viral coverage helped trigger Trump's public push to 'take back' D.C.
Federal Powers Enable Symbolic Takeover
- Trump used emergency authority linked to D.C.'s unique federal status to justify intervention.
- He portrayed a perceived emergency despite official data showing falling violent crime.
Guard Deployments Are Often Theatrical
- National Guard deployments often serve as high-visibility displays rather than targeted crime-fighting.
- In D.C. and L.A., troops mainly provided optics and presence, not large-scale arrests.