I’m writing to you live from Washington, D.C., where this morning President Donald Trump announced he is mobilizing hundreds of National Guard members into the city and ordering a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department under the Home Rule Act.
I promised I’d report to you from the ground, and that’s exactly what I’m doing — no corporate newsroom, no billionaire backers, just me, my phone, and your support making this possible. Please subscribe today and support my work. I can only do this with your subscriptions.
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Just moments ago, I was standing in front of the White House. There, a small but growing protest of several hundred people gathered, chanting “FREE D.C.” in response to Trump’s decision. At this hour, there are no National Guard troops visible in the streets, but the police presence in certain neighborhoods has definitely increased. That said, daily life here hasn’t ground to a halt — businesses are open, people are out walking, and there are no widespread safety concerns.
This federal mobilization comes against the backdrop of record-low crime in the District. Just seven months ago, the Justice Department released a memo showing that violent crime in 2024 is down 35% from 2023 — the lowest it’s been in more than 30 years. Homicides are down 32%, robberies down 39%, armed carjackings down 53%, and assaults with a dangerous weapon down 27%. The city is reporting the fewest assaults with dangerous weapons and burglaries in three decades.
At his press conference this morning, Trump made a noticeable gaffe, saying he would “visit Putin in Russia” later this week. The only issue: he is meeting Putin in Alaska, and Alaska has not been part of Russia since 1867.
Trump went further, suggesting he may soon mobilize the National Guard in other cities, including New York, Oakland, and Chicago.
For now, the streets of Washington remain calm, but the political fallout from invoking the Home Rule Act — especially with crime rates at historic lows — is likely to be intense. I’ll be staying out here all day, bringing you updates as they happen. Join me:
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