WASHINGTON — The Justice Department sharply criticized the Washington, D.C. City Council this week for its attempt to remove National Guard members deployed in the nation's capital. The council sent letters to governors in 10 states last month asking them to pull their Guard forces from D.C.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald, of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, delivered the rebuke in a letter to the council. McDonald accused the councilors of "feigning ignorance of the historic public safety strides made in our Nation's capital" and cited their "callousness" toward residents benefiting from the Guard's presence.
McDonald said the D.C. Council lacks authority to demand the withdrawal of Guard personnel. He called the council's letter "politically-motivated" and "impotent theatrics," saying it was "not worth the paper it's written on."
President Donald Trump ordered the mobilization of the D.C. National Guard on Aug. 11, 2025. His presidential memorandum directed the Defense Department to coordinate with state governors for additional personnel needed to restore order. The deployment was set to continue until Trump determined law and order had been re-established.
Before the federal intervention, Washington, D.C. faced a severe crime emergency that local Democratic leadership had struggled to control. Councilmember Trayon White had previously requested National Guard assistance — a point McDonald highlighted in his letter to underscore what he called the council's hypocrisy.
The Justice Department reports the federal operation has resulted in more than 16,000 arrests and the removal of nearly 2,000 firearms from the city's streets.
The D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, a federal partnership, credits the Guard's presence with disrupting gangs and drug-trafficking organizations. Guard personnel have increased law enforcement visibility, protected critical infrastructure and assisted stranded motorists.
McDonald detailed additional services provided by the Guard, including intervening during assaults and administering life-saving Narcan in emergencies. He called the Guard members "true American heroes."
The assistant attorney general urged the D.C. Council to retract its letter and suggested council members dedicate their remaining time in office to supporting constituents rather than engaging in political maneuvering.
