Federal Action Shifts to Major Cities
President Donald Trump announced that his administration will broaden its anti-crime initiative to Chicago and New York, calling Chicago “a mess” and vowing assistance for New York next. The plan extends a controversial strategy that has primarily targeted Democratic-led cities with Black mayors, drawing sharp criticism from local officials.
Guard Troops to Be Armed in the Capital
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed that National Guard forces deployed in Washington DC will now carry weapons, reversing earlier statements that they would remain unarmed. Roughly 2,000 Guard members are currently stationed in the capital, including reinforcements from Republican-governed states. According to defense officials, the troops will use standard-issue firearms in line with their mission and training.
Trump has already assumed control of the DC police department and placed Guard units under federal command, citing crime and homelessness as justification. City leaders have opposed the intervention, arguing it undermines local authority.
Expanding Federal Powers Over the Guard
Typically, state governors command their National Guard forces, and federal control occurs only in rare emergencies. Earlier this year, Trump overrode California’s governor to federalize Guard units in Los Angeles during protests against immigration enforcement. The move marked a highly unusual challenge to state control.
New Prosecutorial Directives
The crackdown also includes changes in the justice system. Jeanine Pirro, the District’s chief federal prosecutor and a former television host, instructed attorneys to pursue the maximum charges available in most cases, reducing their ability to use discretion. The directive is expected to increase potential prison sentences.
At the same time, Pirro told prosecutors not to seek felony charges for possession of rifles or shotguns, despite a DC law banning them. She argued the adjustment follows Supreme Court precedent and Justice Department guidance.
Local Resistance and Political Criticism
The White House reports that federal agents have made over 630 arrests in DC since the operation began. Trump has also indicated interest in expanding the effort to Baltimore, Oakland, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
Leaders in these cities pushed back. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said Baltimore is reducing crime through community programs and rejected using the Guard “as theater.” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott accused Trump of targeting Black-led cities and ignoring the realities of communities he has never visited.
