Reference News Network August 13 report: The website of the "Nikkei" published an article on August 12, stating that US President Trump announced on the 11th that he would deploy the National Guard to provide security in Washington D.C. He also said that the Metropolitan Police Department would be under the command of the federal government. Although this move aims to reduce local crime rates, many people are worried about the federal government increasing its intervention in Washington D.C., which has had almost 50 years of autonomy.
Washington D.C. is the only "district" in the United States, not a regular state. This is because states have strong powers in the United States, and if federal agencies were located within a state, they might fall under the control of the state government. Washington D.C. covers an area of 177 square kilometers and is the location of federal institutions such as Congress, the White House, and the Supreme Court.
Article 740 of the "District of Columbia Home Rule Act" authorizes the president to temporarily take over the police department of the capital when he deems it "necessary and appropriate" in an emergency.
The federal government's control over the police department can last for 30 days. If the control period exceeds 48 hours, it is required to report to the corresponding congressional committee.
The "Politico" newspaper pointed out that the Trump administration's measures "aim to strengthen control over the traditional Democratic stronghold." Washington D.C. is known for its large Democratic voter base.
The Trump administration deploying the National Guard has precedent. After protests erupted in Los Angeles in June over the crackdown on illegal immigrants, Trump had previously deployed the National Guard to the area, citing deteriorating public safety conditions.
At a news conference on the 11th, Trump also mentioned Baltimore in Maryland and Oakland in California, saying "we plan to expand (the scope of security measures)," which means that measures such as deploying the National Guard could potentially be extended to other cities.
Traditionally, the deployment of the National Guard by the president requires a request from the governor, but after the deployment to Los Angeles, this was also a decision made without the request of the local government.
California Governor Newsom has filed a lawsuit against Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles, claiming it infringes on state rights. A U.S. federal district court has started hearing the case on the 11th. (Translated by Liu Lin)
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7537987320893489679/
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