Protesters hold a banner near the White House, as U.S. President Donald Trump announced he is placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C, in Washington D.C., U.S., August 11, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Monday he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.

President Trump promised a weekend crackdown on Washington, D.C.'s homeless population and criminals. Trump activated federal agents to also be a show of force across the district.