For far too long, the nation’s capital has been coddled by weak local leadership that just can’t keep order. Now President Trump, with the full backing of Vice President JD Vance, has had enough. Governors from states with sensible, conservative principles have lined up to answer the president’s rallying cry, sending hundreds of National Guard members to secure and patrol Washington. These deployments aim to assist in restoring safety, particularly in high-profile spots like monuments, museums, and tourist districts. It’s an unmistakable sign that some states still recognize the importance of real leadership.

People in the city may not like it, especially the current mayor, who spent years insisting that crime rates have fallen. But the president was clear that he believes the situation is worse than reported. With roughly 1,000 Guardsmen arriving from states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and South Carolina, you’d think local authorities would be grateful for this backup. Instead, city officials and Democratic commentators whine about “sizeable intrusions” and “authoritarian moves,” as if it’s better to let criminals roam free than accept help.

Residents have mixed feelings. Some recall Washington in years past as being far more dangerous, while others simply resent outside forces taking over their streets. Yet the presence of more boots on the ground has its benefits. Back in August alone, a handful of violent crimes rattled neighborhoods. If those so-called city leaders had their heads on straight, they would’ve demanded help even sooner.

What’s remarkable is the blatant hypocrisy: so-called progressives claim to support robust government intervention in every social issue, but when it comes to the far more fundamental matter of public safety, they balk. They’d rather keep the city “friendly” and hamper an honest assessment of who’s terrorizing local communities. In the end, this all stems from letting radical politics overshadow simple law and order.

Critics decry the presence of uniforms on the city’s streets, but they ignore the real threat criminals pose. Those who claim Washington’s leaders have done well on the crime front must be living in a fantasy. Now, thanks to the White House’s get-tough stance, the city is receiving a clampdown that’s long overdue. Some city residents might hate to admit it, but the National Guard’s visibility can deter those who think they can operate with impunity.

The manpower in Washington will only grow, too. Tennessee just joined the effort, for instance, further proving that governors who care about their citizens see the value in working with the president. The difference is stark. Where left-leaning cities see the National Guard as some oppressive force, these states see an ally preserving our nation’s integrity.

Don’t be fooled by politicians and pundits who slap the “authoritarian” label on every federal intervention. This is about ensuring our capital stands as an emblem of order, not a cautionary tale of chaos. If local officials choose inaction, you can bet the administration will respond. The rest of the country is watching. We deserve a safe capital as a symbol of national stability—not a playground for complacent bureaucrats more worried about posturing than protecting citizens.

Americans nationwide should watch carefully. Where other leaders cower, conservatives stand tall, upholding the president’s vision to address real problems. The White House made its move, and these out-of-state troops are here. The next step is to see if the local government will stop whining and start cooperating. Otherwise, the District can expect more decisive, out-of-their-hands actions. If that’s what it takes to restore sanity, so be it. We cannot sit by while crime is falsely minimized. Let the uniformed men and women walk, deter, and uphold the peace we deserve. The president has delivered them. Now let them do the job.

That’s the new norm: lead, act, and restore order, even if it bruises some egos in the process.