Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth detailed a significant federal response to escalating crime in the nation's capital during a joint appearance with President Donald Trump.
As reported by Breitbart, Hegseth announced that the Department of Defense has already mobilized the National Guard following Trump's directives. This move aims to restore order in Washington, DC, where officials described severe public safety issues.
Trump, speaking at the Monday press conference, declared a public safety emergency and invoked a specific law to shift control of local police to federal oversight. He highlighted problems like violent gangs and criminal elements overwhelming the city. The plan includes deploying various federal agents and potentially military forces to target these threats.
Trump explained that the capital has been plagued by "violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people." He vowed to end this situation immediately. By using section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, he placed the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control.
The president outlined visible changes on the streets, including more police and FBI agents. He mentioned the possibility of involving the military if necessary. Trump emphasized that such actions have occurred multiple times in the past and expressed confidence in existing personnel.
He stated that operations would focus on "known gangs, drug dealers and criminal networks to get them the hell off the street, maybe get them out of the country, because a lot of them came into our country illegally." Trump dismissed concerns about the approach being too harsh. He then invited Hegseth to provide further details on the implementation.
Hegseth confirmed that, at Trump's direction that morning, the D.C. National Guard had been mobilized. It will be managed by Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll. Residents can expect to see Guard members on Washington streets within the coming week.
He added that other National Guard units and specialized teams are prepared for activation. These forces are described as strong and tough, ready to support local law enforcement. Hegseth noted this aligns with the Department of Defense's ongoing roles in similar operations.
The secretary referenced border security efforts, where 10,000 troops have been deployed in defense zones. He argued that after protecting other borders for two decades, it's time to secure America's own. Hegseth highlighted collaborations with agencies like ICE and CBP in areas such as Los Angeles.
Hegseth drew parallels to operations with the California National Guard and ICE officers. He stressed that ICE personnel should perform their duties without facing attacks. This experience will guide the approach in Washington to ensure effectiveness.
The goal is to partner with D.C. police and federal law enforcement for citywide safety. Hegseth praised Washington's beauty and reiterated Trump's support for troops. He assured that the administration backs the National Guard and law enforcement in their efforts.
In his message to those involved, Hegseth said, "Be tough. Be strong." He emphasized that the forces have the full support needed. This stance aims to empower personnel amid the crackdown.
Trump asserted, "And we’re not going to let it happen anymore," regarding the crime surge. He predicted swift improvements under proper leadership. The president believes the combined forces will handle the situation without full military escalation.
Hegseth echoed this by noting Trump's consistent backing of troops. He extended that assurance to federal law enforcement in D.C. The overall message focuses on strength and partnership to reclaim the streets.
While the press conference included a video of the event, officials did not specify exact timelines beyond the initial Guard deployment. The actions target both immediate threats and longer-term stability. This federal intervention reflects a broader push against urban crime challenges.
