President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized those who have described his actions as "dictatorial" after he chose to send inNational Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to address increasing criminal activity.
Speaking during an event atThe Kennedy Center, Trump strongly denied claims that his action was authoritarian, but instead described it as a vital measure to bring security back to the nation's capital.
"They're already saying, 'He's a dictator!' The situation is deteriorating, and we need to put a stop to it," Trump stated. "Instead of calling him a dictator, they should say, 'We're going to support him in making Washington safe,'" he said.added.
President Trump criticizes Democrats for opposing his initiatives to enhance safety in Washington, D.C.:
They claim 'he's a dictator!' and then they find themselves being robbed.pic.twitter.com/3F5VDWewE8
— Media Research Center (@theMRC)August 13, 2025The leader also criticized his opponents, implying that those who question his actions would "face robbery" if they didn't back his initiatives to tackle the rise in violent crime.
The activation positioned National Guard forces at important sites throughout Washington, including the National Mall and Navy Yard.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) criticized the president for "acting like a dictator" and endangering the nation's democratic principles.
"He's acting as a dictator in our nation's capital as a trial run as he drives democracy to the edge," Van Hollenwrote on social media.
The Maryland senator also highlighted the inconsistency in Trump's behavior, stating that if the president genuinely cared about the district's security, he would not have prevented the city from using funds to assist local law enforcement and services.
TRUMP WILL REQUEST CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH A 'SECURITY FUND' TO ADDRESS CRIME IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
By the way, Trump shows no concern for safety in Washington, D.C., or its residents," Van Hollen said. "If he truly cared, he wouldn't have prevented D.C. from using $1 billion of its own funds to support its own police force, schools, and other initiatives.
Even with the negative reactions, Trump has remained committed to his choice, emphasizing the significance of ensuring public safety.