White House Extends Effort to New Cities
President Donald Trump announced that his administration will expand its law-and-order push to Chicago and New York, calling Chicago deeply troubled and promising that New York would follow. The strategy continues a federal focus on Democratic-run cities with Black mayors, prompting backlash from local leadership.
Armed National Guard Deployment in Washington
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that National Guard troops assigned to Washington DC will now be armed, reversing earlier decisions to keep them without weapons. About 2,000 Guard members remain on duty in the capital, including reinforcements sent from Republican-led states. Officials said the troops will use their issued firearms in line with their assignments.
Trump has already taken control of DC’s police department and moved Guard forces under federal command, arguing that crime and homelessness have created an emergency. City officials denounced the move as federal overreach.
Federal Command Over State Guards Rarely Used
Normally, state governors oversee National Guard operations, with federal authority invoked only under extraordinary conditions. Earlier this year, Trump bypassed California’s governor to place Los Angeles Guard units under federal control during immigration-related protests, an uncommon use of presidential power.
Prosecutors Instructed to Pursue Tougher Charges
The crackdown also reshapes the justice system. Jeanine Pirro, Washington’s chief federal prosecutor and a former television host, ordered her staff to file the maximum possible charges in most criminal cases, curbing prosecutorial discretion. The measure is expected to bring harsher sentences.
Pirro simultaneously advised prosecutors to avoid felony prosecutions for possession of rifles or shotguns, despite a District prohibition on such weapons. She said the guidance reflects rulings from the Supreme Court and positions taken by the Justice Department.
Local Leaders Voice Opposition
According to federal officials, over 630 arrests have been made in Washington since the initiative began. Trump has also listed Baltimore, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as potential next targets.
City and state leaders pushed back strongly. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said Baltimore is reducing crime through community investment and vowed not to use the Guard for “political display.” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott accused Trump of targeting Black-led cities and interfering in places he has never personally experienced.
