President Donald Trump made it crystal clear that the federal government will not babysit Democrat-run cities during protests or riots unless local leaders specifically request help. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to keep federal authorities out of unrest in “poorly run Democrat Cities” unless state or local officials ask for assistance. Apparently, accountability is now considered optional in those places.
At the same time, Trump ordered a strong federal response to protect federal property. He stated that federal authorities will “guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings” that come under attack. In other words, if you target Uncle Sam’s property, don’t expect a warm welcome.
Trump instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol to be “very forceful” when protecting federal assets. He warned that anyone who assaults officers or damages federal vehicles will face serious consequences. “There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers,” Trump said, adding that attacks like rock or brick throwing at law enforcement vehicles will not be tolerated. If it happens, he said, “those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence.” Sounds like law and order making a comeback.
The president stressed that local governments are primarily responsible for protecting their own property, while also having an obligation to safeguard federal buildings, parks, and assets within their jurisdictions. “We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so,” Trump said. Translation: do your job, and Washington won’t have to.
Trump pointed to an overnight incident in Eugene, Oregon, where he said criminals broke into a federal building, caused major damage, and scared and harassed employees while local police “did nothing.” He made it clear that such inaction won’t be accepted going forward. “We will not let that happen anymore,” he said. Apparently, chaos is no longer getting a free pass.
He also said the federal government will respond quickly and efficiently when asked for help, describing any intervention as “very easily and methodically.” Trump referenced what he called the Los Angeles riots one year ago, saying a police chief credited federal assistance at the time.
Trump warned local leaders who oppose federal involvement that if they want help, they must explicitly ask for it—and even suggested they use the word “please.” Politeness, it turns out, still matters.
The president also noted that if necessary, ICE, Border Patrol, or even the military could be deployed to protect federal property, describing them as “extremely powerful and tough.” He closed by tying the policy to his broader agenda, reminding Americans that he was elected on border security, national defense, and “law and order.”
“That’s what America wants, and that’s what America is getting,” Trump said. And for communities tired of watching their cities burn while leaders look the other way, that sounds like progress.
