JD Vance praises National Guard for ‘busting their a**’ in DC, reveals if Trump will extend crime crackdown

WASHINGTON DC: Vice President JD Vance praised the work of National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC, saying their efforts have already shown results in tackling crime over the past nine days..

He also suggested that the mission could extend beyond the 30-day limit outlined in federal law, depending on President Donald Trump’s assessment of progress.

JD Vance highlights progress made by National Guard in Washington

During a visit with troops stationed at Washington’s Union Station, Vance commended the Guard for their work.

"We are seeing really substantial effects because these guys are busting their a*s," Vance said while meeting with National Guard troops Wednesday.

He pointed to the problems plaguing the area, saying, "Right here in Union Station, you have vagrants, you have drug addicts, you have the chronically homeless, you have the mentally ill who harass, who threaten violence, who attack families. And they've done it for far too long. This should be a monument to American greatness."

He also shared a video claiming a 30 percent reduction in violent crime and a 50 percent drop in robberies within just nine days.

Donald Trump weighs potential extensions beyond 30 days

The 1973 Home Rule Act allows federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department for 30 days in emergencies but requires congressional approval for any extensions.

No such restriction applies to the DC National Guard. On August 13, Donald Trump said his administration wanted to drive down crime quickly, but hinted, "We’re going to want extensions."

When asked about that possibility, Vance said the decision rests with the president.

"We’ll ultimately let the president of the United States determine where we are after 30 days of this emergency order. I think that we’re going to make a lot of progress over the next 20 days," Vance said.

"I think we’re nine days into this thing. But if the president of the United States thinks that he has to extend his order to ensure that people have access to public safety, then that’s exactly what he’ll do. If he thinks he doesn’t have to do that, obviously we’ll make that determination."

Meanwhile, Washington officials filed a lawsuit Friday challenging Trump’s move to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department.

About 1,300 National Guard troops have arrived from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, according to Fox News.

Internet split as some praise crackdown and others question it

Reactions online highlighted a divide over the administration’s move.

"So you’re just going to keep DC under martial law forever? What does this accomplish?" asked one user on X.

Others welcomed the changes. "Great to see actual results on the ground. Trump’s no-nonsense approach is cutting through the chaos, and those Guardsmen deserve all the props. Keep it up!" wrote another.

"And all it took was a new President...," one user posted. Another reaction read, "Stay the course. Show America the results every day. It’s fantastic."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online