The Justice Department has sharply criticized the D.C. Council for its recent letters to state governors, urging them to recall their National Guard troops from Washington, D.C. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald described the council's demands as "politically motivated" and "impotent theatrics," asserting that the council has no authority to compel governors to withdraw their forces.
McDonald's letter to the D.C. Council highlighted a significant decrease in homicides in the nation's capital, attributing the public safety improvements to the National Guard's presence and the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. He stated that homicides are down 44% from the previous year, a period when the Trump administration initiated efforts to combat crime in the city with an increased federal law enforcement presence and National Guard deployment.
The D.C. Council members, in their letters sent in late July to governors across the country, had requested the withdrawal of approximately 5,148 Guard personnel by September 1, 2026. They argued that the deployment, costing taxpayers over $3 million per day according to the Congressional Budget Office, had shown only a modest decrease in property crime and no measurable reduction in violent crime attributable to the Guard's presence. The council cited the need for these resources to be used more effectively given the cost of living pressures faced by American taxpayers.
However, McDonald countered that National Guard units have been instrumental in making thousands of arrests, locating missing children, and seizing illegal firearms. He also noted instances where Guard members intervened in assaults and administered life-saving aid, including Narcan. He referred to the Guard members as "true American heroes" and urged the council to focus on correcting D.C.'s laws to ensure criminals are punished rather than advocating for the removal of protective forces.
The Justice Department reiterated its support for the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, stating on X that it would continue to stand with the task force to achieve positive results for the community and visitors.