NAACP Statement on Trump Threatening to Take Over D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2025
Contact: Chyna Fields, cfields@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — Today, President Trump announced that he would deploy the National Guard to take federal control of the Washington, D.C. police department as an unfounded effort against crime in the nation's capital.
NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, released the following statement:
"The brave men and women who make up the National Guard are our country's defense against domestic emergencies and natural disasters, not weapons against American citizens. Deploying the National Guard in this way is not only disgraceful to our troops, but it's a waste of taxpayer dollars and is built on a lie.
"Trump says rising violence in the capital endangers the public, but the Department of Justice reported that violent crime is down 35%, a 30-year low.
"There's no emergency in D.C., so why would he deploy the National Guard? To distract us from his alleged inclusion in the Epstein files? To rid the city of unhoused people? D.C. has the right to govern itself. It doesn't need this federal coup.
"This president campaigned on 'law and order,' but he is the president of chaos and corruption."
Carmel Henry, J.D., President of the NAACP Washington D.C. Branch, added:
"Donald Trump is not concerned about the needs of District residents. Trump's actions are rooted in racism, establishing an authoritarian regime, and White Nationalism. Over the last year, crime rates have significantly declined in the District, and the National Guard is not warranted. These actions are self-serving and seek to distract residents from important constitutional and budgetary issues."
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.