Donald Trump has declared war on what he calls a “wave of lawlessness” sweeping the nation — teaming up with Republican leaders to draft a sweeping new “Comprehensive Crime Bill.”
The president announced the move on Wednesday in a fiery Truth Social post, writing:
In another post on Truth Social, Trump claimed: “Crime is way down in Washington, D.C., since my Administration took action. The people are thrilled!”
According to Reuters, the plan comes as Trump seizes unprecedented control of policing in the U.S. capital — taking charge of the Washington, D.C. police and arming National Guard troops patrolling the city.More than 2,000 members of the National Guard have been deployed to the nation’s capital since Trump’s announcement.
The president has gone further — openly threatening to deploy troops into Democrat-run cities such as Chicago and Baltimore.
Earlier this week, Trump said the U.S. military was “ready to go anywhere on short notice” to crush crime.
And in a dramatic order, he instructed the Department of Defence to make sure every state keeps National Guard troops on standby — prepared to hit the streets at a moment’s notice.
Supporters hail Trump’s crackdown as long overdue, accusing local leaders of letting crime spiral out of control.
However, critics warn that the president is crossing a dangerous line by militarising public safety and overruling local authority.
Legal experts are already predicting fierce battles in the courts if Trump pushes ahead with deploying troops into cities without state approval.
What’s in the Crime Bill?
While details remain under wraps, insiders say the legislation could include:
• Tougher federal penalties for violent offenders
• Expanded police powers backed by federal funding
• New authority for National Guard involvement in civil disturbances
Trump has made law and order a signature theme throughout his presidency — and his new crime bill could become a cornerstone of his re-election campaign.
Democratic leaders across the United States have sharply criticised President Trump’s recent actions to deploy National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities, including Washington, D.C., and Chicago. They argue that these measures are politically motivated and risk transforming American streets into militarised zones.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has been vocal in opposing the deployment, labelling it a “political move” aimed at intimidating rivals and reinforcing Trump’s “law and order” image ahead of the 2028 election cycle. Pritzker and other Democratic leaders contend that the move undermines states’ rights and local governance, and they are prepared to challenge it in court.
Similarly, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has urged President Trump not to deploy the National Guard to New York City, emphasising that crime rates are declining locally and that such a deployment is unnecessary and politically motivated.
The move comes as violent crime remains a flashpoint in America’s biggest cities. Trump’s allies believe the president is striking a chord with voters anxious about safety.
However, Democrats say his plan is more about political theatre than practical solutions, warning it risks turning U.S. streets into a military zone.
Still, Trump appears undeterred. A senior aide told Reuters:
“The president believes Americans are demanding action — and he intends to deliver it.”
