President Donald Trump is warning that he may declare a national emergency to keep control over Washington, D.C.’s police force if Congress refuses to extend his federalization order. His message is clear: crime and chaos will not be allowed to return to America’s capital.
Speaking from the Kennedy Center, Trump said the current 30-day takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), launched Monday, is just the beginning. If Democrats block his effort to extend it, he will act alone.
“If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,” Trump stated. “Democrats will do nothing to stop the violence, but Republicans will back this almost unanimously. We’re moving forward with a major crime bill — starting in D.C. as an example for the entire country.”
Rapid Results: Over 100 Criminals Off the Streets in Days
Trump’s Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, announced last week, is already delivering. In less than a week, more than 100 violent offenders have been arrested, including 43 in a single day, according to the White House.
The unprecedented federal action combines the National Guard, federal law enforcement, and MPD under one command — a model Trump says could be used in other cities plagued by crime, drug trafficking, and homelessness.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Fox Digital:
“President Trump promised to clean up Washington — and he’s delivering. Our capital is safer today than it was just a week ago.”
Homeless Encampments Cleared — Shelter or Jail
The crackdown doesn’t stop with violent crime. Trump’s plan is also targeting the dangerous homeless encampments taking over city streets.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that 70 encampments have been removed by the U.S. Park Police, with just two remaining on federal land. Those last camps will be cleared this week — and the MPD will assist.
Homeless individuals will face two choices: accept shelter, treatment, and services — or face jail time. “We will not allow unsafe encampments to endanger residents or visitors,” Leavitt said.
A National Model for Law and Order
Trump says this is just the start. If Congress won’t extend the takeover, he will consider declaring a full national emergency to keep D.C. under control — and possibly replicate the strategy in other cities facing violent crime, illegal immigration, and fentanyl trafficking.
For Americans concerned about the decline of major cities, Trump’s D.C. crackdown is a clear sign that law and order is coming back.
💡 What This Means for You:
If this bold approach works in Washington, expect to see similar federal crackdowns in other high-crime cities. Trump’s message is unmistakable — public safety comes first, politics second.