Trump signals potential National Guard deployments to Chicago and Baltimore as armed patrols begin in Washington, sparking political and legal debate.
Armed Patrols Begin in Washington, D.C.
Armed National Guard troops are set to begin patrolling Washington, D.C., after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized an escalation of his crime crackdown in the nation’s capital. Officials confirmed Sunday that troops would carry M17 pistols or M4 rifles, though the number of armed personnel remains fluid. Previously, hundreds of unarmed troops had been stationed in the city for two weeks under Trump’s emergency order.
Federal Justification and Limits
The Guard’s Joint Task Force-DC stated that armed personnel would only use force “as a last resort” in response to an imminent threat. Trump has invoked federal authority under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which permits a president to deploy the Guard in limited circumstances, such as suppressing rebellion or executing federal law. However, such powers are expected to face legal scrutiny if extended to state-governed cities.
Cities in Trump’s Sightlines
The president suggested on Sunday that Chicago and Baltimore could be next in his effort to “clean up crime.” Both cities are governed by Democrats and have resisted federal intervention in the past. Trump claimed without evidence that crime has disappeared in Washington due to his troop deployments and said the same approach may be needed in other urban centres.
Political Pushback Emerges
Democratic leaders quickly rejected Trump’s plan. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries argued the president lacks authority to unilaterally deploy troops to Chicago, calling the move a manufactured crisis. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker echoed those concerns, insisting no emergency exists that would warrant military action. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore defended Baltimore’s recent progress, noting double-digit declines in gun violence and the lowest homicide total in decades.
Military Planning Behind the Scenes
While no official deployment orders have been issued, Pentagon officials confirmed preliminary planning for possible troop movements to Chicago. Defence sources described the planning as routine contingency work, not a finalized mission. Senior military leaders have yet to be formally briefed.
Legal and Political Stakes
Analysts warn Trump faces an uphill battle if he pursues Section 12406 of Title 10 to justify troop deployments to Democratic-run cities. Legal challenges are expected from governors and civil liberties groups, who argue such actions overstep presidential power. For Trump, however, the strategy could serve as a test of executive authority ahead of an election year, while also framing Democrats as weak on crime.
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