D.C. is the Testing Ground

Trump intends to weaponize the Nation Guard against domestic protesters

Yesterday, Trump announced his plans to federalize D.C. police and deploy the National Guard — all because some loser named “Big Balls” got his ass kicked by teenagers. The fact is, crime in D.C. is at a 30 year low. That’s not some “liberal fake news,” that figure is straight from the DOJ.

Why D.C.?

In 1973, Congress passed the the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which granted residents the ability to elect their own mayor, city council, and manage their own local affairs. But it also retained congressional oversight, giving Congress the ability to review and overturn local laws.

Section 740 of the Home Rule act allows the President to take control of D.C.’s police force in “conditions of an emergency nature.” In this case, a “crime emergency” Trump has entirely fabricated. Trump can federalize the city’s law enforcement for a period of 30 days, after which Congress must pass a joint resolution to extend the emergency control. With Congress currently in Trump’s hands, he’s likely to get his extension.

The administration has learned from the challenges of deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles. Governor Gavin Newsom, both CA Senators, and members of Congress representing CA were quick to rise up in opposition. Despite D.C. having a higher population than many U.S. states, they do not have a voting member of congress to challenge this takeover. The city government is relatively toothless.

So why D.C.? Because there’s no one to stand in the way.

Why now?

This isn’t about some loser “Big Balls.” This isn’t about “crime.” This is part of Trump’s ongoing tactic to push the limits of the law and normalize fascism so that Americans are complacent when he takes a wider swing.

Earlier today, the Washington Post reported that Trump is planning to create a “reaction force” within the National Guard to put down domestic protests.

The plan calls for 600 troops to be on standby at all times so they can deploy in as little as one hour, the documents say. They would be split into two groups of 300 and stationed at military bases in Alabama and Arizona, with purview of regions east and west of the Mississippi River, respectively.

Trump is already demonstrating that he alone can dictate what is considered a “national emergency.” He deployed the National Guard in Los Angeles in response to relatively small protests. He’s now taking over D.C. to combat “crime.” Trump has already said, “This will go further. We’re going to take back our capital … and then we’ll look at other cities also,” singling out Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, and Oakland.

Take Action Now

1. Find your local Labor Day protests and hit the streets

2. Call your reps and demand they protect D.C. Home Rule: (202) 224-3121

3. Live in D.C.? Check out my last Substack article with resources

4. Spread the word: share this article to help keep a spotlight on Trump’s actions

I’ll be back on the ground in D.C. today, so stay tuned for more reporting. So finally, a reminder: I started this Substack so I can help folks fight Trump’s fascist regime. Stay Angry is meant to be a community where I can not only give you the news, but help share resources for folks to fight back. Help grow this platform by sharing my articles. If you can, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription — its just $5 per month or $50 per year.

And of course in the meantime, Stay Angry.