Trump mobilizes National Guard: Political violence or security?

Trump mobilizes National Guard: Political violence or security?

In recent days, politics in Washington D.C. experienced a significant change of course. US President Donald Trump has announced that he will create a specialized unit within the National Guard. This new force is intended to help “maintain security and order” in the capital while the current situation is politically charged. Nordkurier reports on Trump's plan to commission the Ministry of Defense to immediately set up and train this unit, which will be ready for rapid deployment nationwide against “civil unrest”.

The measure is being pushed by Trump as a response to alleged rampant crime in D.C. justified. According to his account, criminals have overrun the city, making the deployment of the National Guard necessary. Still, official police statistics show a decline in crime in Washington. According to that ZDF The murder rate is at a 30-year low in 2025, while the Justice Department reports an overall decline in violent crime.

Political tensions and protests

These developments have triggered not only military but also strong political reactions. Around 2,200 National Guard troops are currently deployed in Washington, but are primarily patrolling less critical areas of the city. Trump's move is perceived by some as a politically motivated militarization of public space. Critics, including Democratic politicians, warn that such measures could deepen social tensions in the city.

Protests are already underway, with demonstrators taking to the streets with slogans like “Free DC.” The militarization of public spaces is being hotly debated not only in Washington itself, but also in other cities with a large number of people with a migrant background. Sharp criticism also came from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, calling Trump's plans politically motivated punishment and pointing out that crime in Chicago is also declining.

A look beyond Washington's borders

Beyond Washington, Trump is planning similar operations in other Democratic-run cities, with Chicago being discussed as a potential next target. According to reports, the new unit could include 600 National Guard troops to ensure effectiveness and control over future meetings and protests. Political scientist Michael McCarthy says this could be interpreted as a test run for broader influence over law enforcement agencies. The [Tagesschau](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/ Amerika/usa-nationalgarde-washington-100.html) also reports on possible militarization at the federal level, which could endanger democratic control.

In this project, Trump is relying on an emergency law that allows him to take control of the police for 30 days. Some Republican-led states are already sending troops to support Trump's strategy. In total, more than 1,800 National Guard troops could be deployed in the city and its surroundings to counteract legal disputes and further protests.

The political impact of these decisions is still uncertain. The upcoming federal court ruling on the legality of the deployment of troops could decide to what extent Trump can expand his security measures and which legal requirements must be adhered to. One thing is certain: the situation remains extremely tense and public reactions show a clear need for discussion and engagement with these controversial developments.