Trump declared a “crime emergency” in Washington, DC on Monday, authorizing the Department of Justice to take control of the city’s local law enforcement. At the same time, he announced the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to the capital, with 100 to 200 supporting law enforcement efforts.

According to Al Jazeera, protesters near the White House voiced their disapproval, with some describing the move as a significant and alarming escalation. Keya Chatterjee, executive director of advocacy group Free DC, called the action “authoritarian,” emphasizing concerns over the rights of DC residents and their long-standing calls for self-determination.