Memorandum for THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
SUBJECT: Restoring Law and Order in the District of Columbia
Section 1. Background
As the President of the United States and the Commander in Chief of the District of Columbia National Guard, I bear an unyielding responsibility to safeguard our law-abiding citizens from the rampant tide of criminality. This obligation takes on heightened significance within our Nation’s capital, where my role extends beyond mere rhetoric; I must ensure that all citizens have the unfettered right to engage with their elected representatives and that the Federal Government can function unimpeded by the specter of violent crime.
The local authorities in the District of Columbia have seemingly surrendered the reins of public order and safety, a reality starkly illustrated by the tragic murders of two embassy staffers in May, the Congressional intern shot mere blocks from the White House in June, and the brutal assault on a federal staffer just days ago. In a capital city that should epitomize democratic ideals, citizens, tourists, and government employees alike find themselves besieged by violent crime. It is nothing short of a national embarrassment that Washington, D.C. has a violent crime rate that rivals some of the most perilous locales worldwide. My foremost duty is to ensure the safety and operational integrity of both our citizens and Federal employees within this city.
Section 2. Mobilizing the District of Columbia National Guard
In accordance with my constitutional authority and the applicable laws governing the District of Columbia, I hereby direct the Secretary of Defense to mobilize the District of Columbia National Guard. I instruct that members be ordered to active service in numbers deemed necessary to counteract the rampant crime plaguing our capital. This mobilization shall remain in effect until I ascertain that law and order have been effectively reinstated in the District. Additionally, I call upon the Secretary of Defense to collaborate with State Governors to authorize the activation of any supplementary National Guard members as deemed appropriate to bolster this crucial mission.
Section 3. General Provisions
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, confer any rights or benefits, whether substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other individual.
DONALD J. TRUMP
