Federal Campaign Targets Democratic Strongholds
President Donald Trump revealed plans to extend his anti-crime program to Chicago and New York, describing Chicago as chaotic and stating New York would be addressed next. The initiative is part of a broader federal strategy aimed at Democratic-led cities with Black leadership, a focus that has stirred significant opposition.
National Guard to Carry Weapons in the Capital
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that National Guard personnel in Washington DC will now be armed, overturning earlier assurances that they would not carry weapons. Nearly 2,000 soldiers are stationed across the city, including reinforcements from states governed by Republicans. Military officials confirmed the troops will be issued standard weapons consistent with their duties.
Trump has already assumed direct authority over DC’s police and moved Guard control under federal command, citing crime and homelessness as reasons. District officials have strongly objected, arguing the move strips the city of autonomy.
Rare Federal Intervention in Guard Operations
Typically, National Guard units are under the authority of state governors, with federal involvement limited to exceptional emergencies. Earlier this summer, Trump bypassed California’s governor to place Guard troops in Los Angeles under federal direction during demonstrations tied to immigration enforcement, an action rarely exercised in modern times.
Prosecutors Ordered to Seek Harsher Penalties
The administration has also imposed tougher legal measures. Jeanine Pirro, Washington’s chief federal prosecutor and a former media figure, instructed attorneys to pursue the most severe charges possible in criminal cases, restricting their usual discretion. The directive is expected to result in lengthier prison terms.
Pirro also directed prosecutors to refrain from filing felony cases against individuals found with rifles or shotguns, despite a local law banning those weapons. She defended the decision by citing Supreme Court rulings and Justice Department guidance.
Backlash From State and City Leaders
Federal officials reported more than 630 arrests connected to the Washington initiative. Trump has identified Baltimore, Oakland, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago as additional cities under consideration for similar operations.
Leaders in those cities rejected the approach. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said Baltimore is addressing crime through community-driven programs and vowed not to activate the Guard for “political spectacle.” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott accused Trump of deliberately targeting cities led by Black officials and intervening in neighborhoods unfamiliar to him.
