1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Trump's deployment of the National Guard and seizure of control over Washington D.C.'s police force is a blatant abuse of federal power. Despite claims of rising crime rates, Washington's violent crime rate has actually decreased by 26% this year compared to 2024. Federalizing local law enforcement undermines democratic principles and consolidated executive control over the nation's capital is a dangerous precedent. While the president has certain authorities under the Home Rule Act, this appears to be an overreach driven more by political motivations than a legitimate public safety crisis. Such an extreme step demands scrutiny and opposition to prevent further erosion of local governance and civil liberties. This unilateral action is unwarranted given the absence of evidence justifying it.