Washington, D.C. currently hosts over 2,000 National Guard troops, some of whom are now armed. President Trump claims these measures are necessary to address the city’s crime, revealing the unique legal authority presidents can wield over the nation’s capital.

President Trump’s visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with police officers and National Guard troops has provoked strong reactions among local residents. Some view the increased security presence as necessary, while others question its implications for the city’s autonomy and atmosphere.