We can’t ignore the implications of what this means for our democracy.
John,
This week, Donald Trump placed the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control and activated the D.C. National Guard, claiming it’s to fight crime. But official data tells the truth: violent and nonviolent crime are both down this year and are continuing to trend downward.
So if it’s not about crime, what is this really about?
This is the second time Trump has deployed federal forces to a major U.S. city. In both cases, the cities had Black women as mayors.
And let’s not forget — this is the same man with a criminal conviction who refused to activate the National Guard or put the MPD under federal control during the January 6th insurrection he egged on.
When Trump ignores real threats to democracy but sends troops into peaceful cities, it’s not about safety. It’s about consolidating power and stamping out dissent — a deeply authoritarian tactic with negative implications for the future of American democracy.
If we don't push back now, we send a message that this is acceptable, John. And from there, things will only get worse.
That’s why we’re raising resources for the D.C. ACLU to defend the basic freedoms of Washingtonians against Trump's tyranny. Can you donate today to fuel the D.C. ACLU's work?
Donate ➡️
History will ask how we responded to this moment. Let’s answer it — together.
In solidarity,
LeftNet
