The Brian Lehrer Show Pres. Trump Sends Federal Troops to Police Washington D.C.
Aug 13, 2025
David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America, discusses President Trump's controversial decision to deploy federal troops in D.C. amid reducing crime rates. He delves into the implications for local safety and democracy, questioning whether this move signals a power grab. Graham highlights the historical context of militarized policing in urban areas, especially in black communities, and critiques the lack of local leadership in addressing underlying social issues like homelessness and mental health.
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Federal Control Over D.C. Guard
- Trump used legal authority to place the D.C. National Guard under presidential control rather than the mayor's control.
- That legal move is unprecedented in practice and creates uncertain operational effects on day-to-day policing.
Agents Patrolling The Mall
- Reporters saw agents in DEA and FBI gear walking around the National Mall and neighborhoods, talking to people and appearing at basketball courts.
- Their duties and precise deployments remain unclear and may not target the residential areas where crime occurs.
Crime Trends Versus Political Messaging
- D.C. crime surged during 2020–2023 but has since declined sharply across major categories like homicides and carjackings.
- Political messaging, however, treats the situation as a crisis to justify federal intervention despite improving statistics.
