National Guard arrives in DC

The president moves to deploy the National Guard in DC and signals a broader take-charge approach to policing, even as homelessness data show progress in the city.

National Guard troops arrive in Washington DC on Trump's orders

National Guard troops arrived in Washington DC after orders from President Trump to bolster security and support the city’s police. Officials described the deployment as a response to ongoing security concerns and as part of a broader effort to keep order in the capital. The president also pledged to take direct control of the district’s policing, a move that would be politically significant and potentially controversial given questions about local autonomy and federal authority.

Local homeless advocacy groups told the BBC that conditions in the city have improved in recent years. Ralph Boyd, president and chief executive of SOME, noted that homelessness is down almost 20% in 2025 compared with five years ago. He added that moving people out of the city is not a long-term solution and warned it could push the problem to communities less equipped to handle it. "All it will do is transfer the problem somewhere else into communities that are perhaps less equipped to deal with it than we are."

The move blends security messaging with political signaling. It tests the boundary between federal action and local governance, and raises questions about accountability, legality, and how such deployments are funded. If DC remains under federal control for an extended period, critics may worry about eroding local decision-making and civil liberties. The administration’s justification hinges on safety, yet the lack of a detailed, long-term plan for housing and services could leave residents exposed once headlines shift.

Data showing a drop in homelessness complicates the narrative that crime and disorder drive the policy. Without a clear strategy to address root causes, security measures risk becoming a headline rather than a lasting solution. The debate will hinge on concrete budgets, oversight, and the ability to balance security with compassionate care for vulnerable residents.

Highlights

The coming weeks will reveal if safety can be paired with a clear plan for people.