Vance suggests National Guard mission in Washington may extend past 30 days
Vice President JD Vance Encourages National Guard Efforts in Tackling Crime in Washington
Vice President JD Vance commended the progress made by National Guard troops in combating crime in Washington over the past nine days and hinted at a possible extension of their mission beyond the initial 30 days. President Donald Trump had announced plans on Aug. 11 to deploy troops from the D.C. National Guard and federalize the Metropolitan Police Department to address the rising crime rates in the capital.
“We are witnessing significant improvements because of the hard work of these individuals,” Vance stated during a meeting with National Guard troops at Union Station in Washington. He emphasized the impact of their efforts in addressing issues such as vagrancy, drug addiction, and homelessness that have plagued the city for too long.
National Guard Deployment and Potential Extensions
The 1973 Home Rule Act permits a temporary federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department for emergency situations lasting up to 30 days. However, beyond this timeframe, Congressional approval is required for any extensions. The act does not impose similar limitations on D.C. National Guard troops.
President Trump had expressed the administration’s intention to curb crime promptly but indicated the possibility of seeking extensions. Vance mentioned that the decision on extensions would be reassessed based on the progress achieved in the coming weeks.
Legal Challenges and Multistate Participation
Meanwhile, Washington officials filed a lawsuit challenging the federalization of local police by the Trump administration. The lawsuit asserts that the administration’s actions exceed its temporary authority under the law, posing a significant threat to D.C.’s Home Rule.
In addition to the D.C. National Guard, troops from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee are also part of the crackdown on crime in Washington. Approximately 1,300 National Guard troops have already arrived in the capital to support these efforts.
