Van Hollen Slams Trump’s DC National Guard Deployment as ‘Abuse of Power,’ Citing Low Crime
Van Hollen Slams Trump’s DC National Guard Deployment as ‘Abuse of Power,’ Citing Low Crime
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) vehemently criticized President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., labeling it a “total abuse of power” and a “manufactured emergency.” Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week” on August 17, 2025, Van Hollen disputed the administration’s rationale, highlighting that violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low and on a downward trajectory.
The Maryland senator expressed grave concerns over reports that the deployed National Guard troops could be armed, stating, “that’s very troubling.” He underscored that the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the National Guard from engaging in local law enforcement activities, questioning the necessity of arming them for their current mission, which includes addressing homelessness.
Despite D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith acknowledging the potential “positive impact” of additional personnel due to staffing shortages, Van Hollen argued that the proper solution is for Congress and the President to release the $1 billion in federal funds owed to D.C. to hire more local officers, rather than deploying federal agents and National Guard troops.
Van Hollen also warned of legal action should President Trump attempt to extend the National Guard’s deployment beyond the statutory 30-day limit without congressional authorization, noting a federal judge has previously blocked similar attempts by the administration to exert control over D.C. police.
In a separate part of the interview, Sen. Van Hollen also weighed in on the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, asserting that President Trump was “played by Vladimir Putin.” He criticized the lack of tangible outcomes, such as a ceasefire in Ukraine or a meeting with Zelenskyy, despite Putin receiving a high-profile reception on U.S. soil. Van Hollen urged Congress to move forward with bipartisan legislation to impose sanctions on Russia and Putin.
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