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A sweeping federal intervention in Washington, D.C.’s law enforcement has sparked intense criticism, with legal experts, city leaders, and members of the public questioning both the scope and the tone of the move.
On Monday, the president announced a month-long federal takeover of the city’s Metropolitan Police Department, citing a need for a stronger approach to crime prevention. The plan involves deploying 800 National Guard troops to patrol city streets, paired with an order for unhoused residents to vacate public areas immediately.
A Hardline Message
In remarks that have drawn significant attention, the president promised “no more Mr. Nice Guy” when it comes to enforcement in the capital. He described the move as part of an effort to restore what he called the city’s “former beauty” and to address what he characterized as lawlessness.
Critics quickly pointed out that the city’s official crime data does not match the administration’s depiction, with violent crime reportedly at a decades-long low.
The announcement’s most debated element came when the president told reporters that officers could “do whatever they want” when confronted with hostility — language many viewed as signaling an expansion of police force beyond current norms.
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