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Describing Washington DC as “one of the most dangerous cities in the world,” Trump claimed that although violent crime is at its lowest level in 30 years, the murder rate is higher than in Bogota or Mexico City.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stood alongside Trump at the podium, said that next week 800 National Guard troops would be deployed on the streets of Washington. “They will be strong, they will be tough, and they will stand alongside their law enforcement partners,” he said.

The President, by invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, is federalizing the Washington Metropolitan Police Department for the first time in history. He declared a public safety emergency and placed the police under the control of Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Trump promised to allow police to “do whatever they want” in response to provocations. “[Those accused of crimes] understand only one language. They like spitting in the police’s face. You spit, we hit, and they will be hit very hard.”

Section 740 requires Mayor Muriel Bowser to provide “the services the President deems necessary and appropriate” if the President determines that “special circumstances” exist. Under the law, the President can exercise this control for only 30 days unless Congress passes legislation to extend it.