In early August, President Donald Trump announced plans to federalize DC police and deploy the national guard over the nation’s capital, in hopes of removing the homeless and beginning a “beautification” process. (MSNBC) While he does have the power to deploy troops for 48 hours in an emergency, congressional approval is required to extend this period under the Home Rule Act. Additionally, despite the lowest crime rates this year, the president announced he would target New York City, Oakland, and Baltimore next in his militarization plan. Many speculate that this move is a show of power intended to intimidate opposition to Trump’s growing authoritarian administration.
