City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer

City Cast DC with Michael Schaffer

Trump deploys National Guard amid 'dire safety crisis'

August 12, 2025 · 💌 Kaela

Hey D.C.! NASA says “the best meteor shower of the year” is this week, and today and tomorrow are the peak. Something to put it all in perspective. 💫

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Trump Orders Takeover of MPD, Deploys National Guard

Yesterday, President Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of 800 armed National Guard troops in the name of fighting local crime, despite stats showing big improvements. He added that he is prepared to “bring in the military if needed.” [City Cast DC 🎧]

  • The MPD takeover will last up to 30 days (any longer needs congressional approval).
  • D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, D.C. Council, and Delegate Elenor Holmes Norton all slammed the takeover calling it “unlawful,” “unwarranted,” and “potentially dangerous.”
  • Mayor Bowser said D.C. would comply with the order despite being blindsided by Trump's plan to take over city police.
  • Trump said the troops will focus on clearing homeless encampments, protecting federal buildings, and going after gangs.

‼️ Psst! Still got questions? We dive into more detail on Trump’s claims below.

Increase In Involuntary Hospitalizations Likely, Warns Attorney General

D.C.’s Attorney General has warned local hospitals to expect an influx of involuntary hospitalizations due to orders from the White House to target and clear homeless encampments. [Washingtonian]

Judge Blocks Digital Gateway Project

A Prince William County judge blocked the rezoning proposal needed for the country to build a 22 million square foot data center. The project would have been the largest in the world. [NoVa]

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