Democrat Calls Trump A Dictator

President Donald Trump is once again under fire from Democrats — this time for stepping in to restore law and order in Washington, D.C., after years of rising crime and failed local leadership.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) charged that President Trump was engaging in a “blatant authoritarian power grab” after taking steps to place the city’s police department under federal control and deploy the National Guard to patrol the streets.

On the social media platform X, Van Hollen claimed Trump was “playing dictator” and “pushing democracy to the brink.” He also accused the president of ignoring D.C. safety concerns, referencing a budget dispute in which Trump blocked certain local spending plans.

Democrats and local leaders say Trump’s move threatens the city’s “autonomy.” But many Americans — especially those tired of seeing violent crime spike in major cities — view it as decisive action to protect the nation’s capital.

Trump has warned that D.C.’s crime problem is far worse than officials admit, citing public safety data that paints a troubling picture. His latest deployment mirrors his tough approach in Los Angeles last June, when he sent in U.S. Marines and National Guard troops to stop violent immigration riots after local leaders failed to act. That bold move triggered lawsuits from activist groups, and a California court is now reviewing the legality of using military forces in civilian law enforcement when public safety is at risk.

While Democrats call it “overreach,” Trump supporters see a president who refuses to sit back and watch America’s capital descend into chaos. In an era of soft-on-crime policies and urban decay, the question remains: Should Washington, D.C., be left to local politicians who can’t control the streets — or should a president step in to keep Americans safe?