This week, Washington, DC experienced an unprecedented federal intervention when President Donald Trump took control of the city’s police department and deployed the DC National Guard. The move has sparked urgent conversations about legality, precedent, and what it could mean for other cities the President has named as potential next targets. Below, we break down what happened, why it matters, and how local communities – including Jewish Community Relations Councils (JCRCs) – can respond.
What happened?
- On Monday, 8/11 President Donald Trump federalized the Washington, DC police department and called in the DC National Guard to patrol the streets and conduct law enforcement.
- In his announcement, the President said that this was a starting point, and that they will “go further,” naming Chicago, Oakland, Baltimore, and New York as cities he believes have out of control crime that demands a federal response.
Why?
- The President has long discussed a federal takeover of Washington, DC. Notably in 2020, he suggested using the military to crack down on Black Lives Matter protests, but was convinced not to.
- The unprecedented decision to federalize DC police came after a violent incident involving a DOGE staffer. The President – using deeply dehumanizing language – cited soaring crime and homelessness. However, violent crime in DC is at a 30 year low with a 26% decrease from last year.
Is this legal?
- Technically the DC action may be legal. Under the Home Rule Act of 1973, the law giving Washington, DC greater local control, the president is allowed to take control of the police department for 48 hours. That can be extended to 30 days with Congressional notification.
- Unlike the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles, which is currenty being challenged in court, the DC National Guard is unique in that it is the only unit that answers directly to the President, since DC does not have a governor.
- But as our partners at the DC JCRC noted, this “deeply misguided decision disregards hard facts.”
- And the threats to expand these actions to other cities raise major constitutional/legal concerns.
Manufacturing crises to expand executive powers
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What is happening in Washington, DC is part of a pattern of using manufactured crises as a justification to get around democratic protections and separation of powers and invoke emergency powers usually reserved for Presidents in times of war.
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In an emergency, like an enemy invasion, Presidents are given broad powers, including the ability to circumvent the rule of law. For instance, the claim of an “enemy invasion” has been used to deploy the military against immigrants, and to go into cities to round up and deport immigrants to countries they may not be from, without having to go through any due process.
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Similarly, the supposed “crime emergency” in Washington, DC mirrors the use of the false and dehumanizing claims that America is being invaded by immigrants by claiming that cities have become out of control and demand an extraordinary response.
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The President has invoked emergency powers at least three times this year: to stop an “invasion” of immigrants, to unilaterally apply tariffs, and now to federalize the Washington, DC police department.
These actions help further undermine democratic norms and normalize extremism
- At a moment when democratic norms – including the rule of law and separation of powers — are under direct threat and dehumanizing extremism has become so normalized – often fueling violence against marginalized communities, including Jews – this is especially dangerous.
- The administration is ignoring the reality of DC’s 30-year-low in crime while advancing dehumanizing rhetoric about out-of-control youth, homelessness, and neighborhoods that need federal intervention. In fact, President Trump explicitly rejected DC’s request for more police officers saying it was unnecessary, calling instead for more forceful policing.
What JCRCs can be doing?
- This is the time to reach out to other vulnerable communities to recognize their very real fear that the military will be used against them.
- One option is a community statement making clear the support for local and state governments, rejecting false claims of soaring crime, and urging the federal government to provide more public safety resources, like restoring the $810 million in anti-crime grants that were cut, instead of sending in the military.
- Immigrant communities are also feeling the fear from the use of the “invasion” lie as a justification for extreme measures, including a lack of due process. This is an opportunity to reach out to immigrant communities where you have a relationship, and create relationships where you do not, by expressing solidarity and support and engaging on how to support local populations.
- JCPA signed a statement, along with many other local and national groups, rejecting the use of the dangerous “invasion” conspiracy theory. You might consider using this language, or similar language, for a community letter rejecting the use of this term.
The events in Washington, DC this week reflect a troubling use of emergency powers and dehumanizing rhetoric. By understanding the facts, amplifying truth, and building solidarity with impacted communities, we can stand firm in defending democracy and protecting vulnerable populations.
