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New Delhi: US president Donald Trump declared federal takeover of Washington, DC and deploying the National Guard on Monday, to curb the brewing crime rate in the capital. The incident came to light soon after Trump formed a surge of federal law enforcement in DC over the weekend, according to a White House official.
In a social media post, Trump claimed that he will make Washington, DC safer and prettier than ever. He added that he would be brushing off the "homeless" to places far from the capital.
Following the announcement, in a post on Truth Social, the US president wrote, "Washington, DC would be liberated today! Crime, Savagery, Filth and Scum would disappear. I will make our capital great again. Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before. The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong."
Although the US Justice Department claims that crime rates have lowered in the city, Trump accused them of manipulating data. Following this, he pointed out the recent assault of a former White House Staffer in the city.
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel rejected all claims by Trump as a false portrayal of the city. Talking to an American news channel, said, "People are coming to our capital. They are starting businesses in our capital, they are raising families in our capital. Any comparison to a war-torn capital is hyperbolic and false."
Trump has constantly highlighted the city's rising crime rates as a justification for federal intervention. According to Trump, the city is "totally out of control" and is "one of the most dangerous cities around the world." He then pointed out the homeless population, graffiti and disorder in the posh areas of the city as a significant reason for federal control.
Trump has also invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which empowers the president to exercise control over the city in times of emergencies such as insurrections and rebellions. It can only be used when the local law and order is incapable of maintaining law and order in the city. Although, it does not amount to the overall takeover of the President in the city. It is meant to be exercised only during crisis.
