About 300 representatives from the National Guard and federal law enforcement attended the gathering at a U.S. Park Police facility. Trump praised the group as “strong and impressive” and announced that federal oversight of the capital’s police force would be extended. He thanked officers for their efforts to secure Washington, saying, “We’re not here to play games—we’re here to ensure safety. This is our capital, and I want everything to be perfect. By the end of the year, Washington will be more beautiful than ever.”
Although Trump considered joining patrols that evening, he returned to the White House shortly after the visit. The day before, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered burgers to National Guard troops at Union Station.
Washington, D.C., traditionally managed by the District’s government under congressional oversight, has been under increased federal control since Trump declared a public safety emergency on August 11. The declaration invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, allowing the deployment of federal officers and the National Guard and giving the president authority over the capital’s police force for 30 days.