Federal Focus Turns to Major Cities
President Donald Trump announced plans to extend his administration’s anti-crime drive to Chicago and New York, labeling Chicago “a disaster” and pledging that New York would follow. The initiative builds on federal campaigns that have concentrated on Democratic-led cities with Black mayors, drawing widespread criticism.
Guard Forces to Carry Weapons in the Capital
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed that National Guard soldiers deployed in Washington DC will now be armed, reversing previous assurances that they would remain without weapons. Nearly 2,000 Guard troops are stationed in the city, including reinforcements sent from Republican-controlled states. Officials confirmed the soldiers will be issued regular service firearms for their duties.
Trump has already taken command of the DC police force and placed Guard units under federal authority, citing crime and homelessness as justification. Local officials have strongly opposed the intervention, arguing it strips the city of control.
Federal Authority Over State Guard Units
Ordinarily, state governors oversee their National Guard forces, and federal intervention is limited to extraordinary circumstances. Earlier this year, Trump overrode California’s governor to federalize Guard units in Los Angeles during demonstrations against immigration enforcement, an unusual assertion of presidential authority.
Stricter Charging Policies
The crackdown also extends into the legal arena. Jeanine Pirro, Washington’s top federal prosecutor and a former media figure, instructed attorneys to pursue the highest possible charges in criminal cases, reducing discretion in how cases are handled. The change is expected to result in longer sentences for defendants.
At the same time, Pirro issued guidance that prosecutors should not bring felony cases for possession of rifles or shotguns, despite a citywide prohibition. She cited Supreme Court precedent and Justice Department direction in support of the policy.
Pushback From City Leaders
According to the administration, over 630 arrests have been made in Washington under the initiative. Trump has also pointed to Baltimore, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as potential targets for similar operations.
Local leaders have rejected the moves. Maryland Governor Wes Moore stressed that Baltimore is addressing crime through community-led efforts and said he would not deploy the Guard for “political spectacle.” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott accused Trump of targeting Black-led cities and ignoring the realities of communities he has never visited.
