Trump admin updates: Trump teases 'big day' at White House

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who President Donald Trump announced is taking command of D.C.'s police department, said the federal government will fight criminals in D.C.

"Let me be crystal clear: Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today," Bondi said. "We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here."

She said cooperation with the Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch, FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro will help achieve improved safety in D.C.

President Donald Trump said the government is starting with 800 National Guardsmen in D.C., but will call up "much more if necessary."

"Washington. D.C., should be one of the safest, cleanest and most beautiful cities anywhere in the world, and we're going to make it that," he said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the D.C. National Guard was mobilized on Monday morning and will be operationalized by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

"You will see them flowing into the streets of Washington in the coming week," Hegseth said after being brought to the podium by President Donald Trump. "At your direction as well, sir, there are other unites we are prepared to bring in -- other National Guard units, other specialized units. They will be strong, they will be tough and they will stand with their law enforcement partners."

President Donald Trump said D.C.'s police force is adequately staffed and said he had heard of requests to add more to the force.

Trump repeatedly claimed there were 3,500 police in D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department.

"I was told today, sure, they want more police. I heard a number 3,500 police. That's a lot of police -- 3,500," he said. "I thought they're going to say we only have 30 policemen or women. You said, 'We have 3,500. We need more.' You don't need more."

Trump said it was "ridiculous" to have more police officers.

"This is not a big area. It's ridiculous. What you need is rules and regulations, and you need the right people to implement them. And we have the right people here, that I can tell you," Trump said.