AFT President Weingarten criticizes Trump's federalization of D.C. police

President's Federalization of D.C. Police Sparks Criticism from AFT

WASHINGTON—Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), expressed strong opposition following President Trump's decision to federalize Washington, D.C.'s police force and deploy the National Guard in the city.

Weingarten highlighted the presence of numerous educators and staff residing and working within D.C. and its neighboring areas, emphasizing the AFT's recent gathering of thousands for a conference. "This is our city," she stated, pointing to the irony of the President's reluctance to deploy the National Guard during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Criticism was directed at the President's decision to involve federal forces amid declining crime rates, with total violent crime at a 30-year low. Weingarten argued this move contrasts with the administration's choice to halt funding for violence prevention programs in the city.

Weingarten posed several questions addressing the impact of the federal action: "Will the president’s heavy-handed show of force make the average D.C. resident feel safer? Will it create jobs for working people and bring patrons back to downtown businesses? Will it provide young people a pathway to jobs, skills or other activities that keep them off the streets?"

Answering her own inquiries, Weingarten concluded, "The answer to those questions is 'no.'" She characterized the President's actions as a "crass spectacle" prioritizing intimidation over the safety and well-being of D.C. residents.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.