President makes provocative claim during Cabinet meeting as National Guard patrols DC streets

President Donald Trump recently made headlines when he stated that he believes crime will be a major focus in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. This comes as no surprise, as Trump has been heavily emphasizing the issue of crime in recent days to garner support for his controversial “federalization” push in Washington, D.C.

During a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump was asked about his proposal to “federalize” the nation’s capital by deploying D.C. National Guard troops throughout the city. He has suggested that this approach should be adopted by Democrat-led cities like Chicago. Trump expressed his belief that crime will be a key issue in the 2026 midterms, stating that “The Republicans are the party that wants to stop crime. We’re against crime.”

The president’s comments have been particularly focused on cities like Chicago, where he has threatened to deploy the National Guard to address crime issues. However, the legality and feasibility of such actions remain uncertain and could potentially lead to legal challenges.

Despite the challenges, Trump remains steadfast in his defense of his “federalization” efforts in D.C. He has temporarily taken control of the city’s police force and deployed National Guard troops throughout the capital. Trump has touted the success of these efforts, stating that he believes D.C. will become the safest place on earth as a result.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, it is clear that crime will be a key issue for Trump and the Republican Party. Whether his controversial tactics will resonate with voters remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – crime will be a topic of conversation leading up to the elections.