Congressman Wesley Hunt, Republican from Texas, has sharply criticized both Democrats and the media for their condemnation of President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C. Hunt’s own experience with crime in the district underscores his argument. He recounted an incident from last year where his apartment complex in the Navy Yard was the site of a robbery, leaving a front desk attendant without her possessions. “Downstairs in my apartment complex, there was a woman who was robbed,” Hunt shared with Fox News Digital. “She had her computer stolen, her phone stolen, and her iPad stolen right behind the desk, and we were all blocks away from the Capitol.”
Just a short distance from where Hunt lives, another significant crime took place. He pointed out that Henry Cuellar, a fellow politician, was robbed at gunpoint across the street. Hunt’s frustration with the critics of Trump is palpable. “I don’t understand what these [critics] are talking about. It’s not safe,” he asserted emphatically, emphasizing the urgent need for a stronger law enforcement presence in the capital.
Trump’s military action has faced backlash, particularly from Democrats who oppose federal involvement in municipal issues. House Judiciary ranking member Jamie Raskin recently introduced a resolution aimed at preventing Trump from keeping service members in D.C., arguing against the necessity of federal troops. However, Trump’s administration maintains that this intervention is crucial for restoring order. “Just like I took care of the Border, where you had ZERO Illegals coming across last month, from millions the year before, I will take care of our cherished Capital,” Trump stated, affirming his commitment to enhancing safety in the nation’s capital.
Hunt’s concerns mirror those raised by other leaders. He contrasted the current use of the National Guard in D.C. with their deployment by various Democrat governors for COVID-related restrictions, questioning priorities. “Tim Walz used the National Guard to implement COVID restrictions on people, not to take care of the murder capital of the United States,” he remarked, highlighting the apparent disconnect in addressing crime versus managing public health.
The White House has presented a positive narrative about the National Guard’s impact, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt reporting a significant number of arrests. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and the outstanding work of both federal and local law enforcement, dangerous gang members… will not be allowed on the streets of our nation’s capital,” Leavitt said, reinforcing the administration’s position. Meanwhile, residents like James Laverty, a Capitol Hill staffer, have observed a “noticeable difference” in safety since the military presence was instituted, suggesting that for many, the National Guard’s role has been a welcomed change in a city grappling with crime.
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