President Trump justifies assuming control of the D.C. police and deploying the National Guard by declaring our city is “overrun by violent gangs, blood thirsty criminals, roving mobs of youth, drugged out maniacs, and homeless people.” Such sweeping language is both inaccurate and dehumanizing, increasing the risk of indiscriminate arrests and the use of excessive force.
From the White House, the president sees a lawless wasteland. We beg to differ. We see fellow human beings—neighbors, workers, friends and family—each made in the image of God.
Even one violent crime is one too many, and all Washingtonians deserve to live in safety. But safety cannot be achieved through political theatre and military force. It requires honesty and sustained collaboration between government, civic, and private partners—work now being sidelined. Inflammatory rhetoric distracts from that work, even as the administration has cut more than $1 billion from programs proven to reduce crime, including law enforcement support, addiction and mental health treatment, youth programs, and affordable housing.
The president has likened his intentions for Washington—and possibly other cities—to the harsh measures already used against migrants, tactics that have resulted in thousands detained in inhumane conditions and many deported without due process.
As religious leaders, we remain firm in our commitment to serve those in need and to work collaboratively toward solutions to our city’s most pressing problems. We call on our political and civic leaders to reject fear-based governance and work together in a spirit of dignity and respect—so that safety, justice, and compassion prevail in our city.
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean, Washington National Cathedral
Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt and Rabbi Aaron Alexander
Co-Senior Rabbis, Adas Israel Congregation
Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling
Baltimore-Washington Conference and Peninsula-Delaware Area Conference
The United Methodist Church
Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky
Director of Intergroup Relations/Rabbi in Residence
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington
The Rev. John Molina-Moore
General Presbyter, National Capital Presbytery, Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Rev. Leila M. Ortiz
Bishop, Metro DC Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner
Director, Religious Action Center and Senior Vice President, Union for Reform Judaism
Rabbi Jon Roos
Senior Rabbi, Temple Sinai
Rabbi Susan Shankman
Senior Rabbi, Washington Hebrew Congregation