Even MSNBC Hosts Are Ripping Democrats’ Response to Federalizing the DC Police [WATCH]

Hosts and commentators on MSNBC’s Morning Joe sharply criticized Democratic leaders this week over their handling of the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deployment of the National Guard in the District of Columbia.

The federal intervention came after President Trump ordered the MPD to be placed under federal control in response to concerns over violent crime in the capital.

The move also included the appointment of an emergency police commissioner and the deployment of National Guard units to assist in public safety operations.

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During Thursday’s broadcast, co-host Mika Brzezinski described the Democratic Party’s current stance on the issue as politically self-defeating.

“It’s a trap,” Brzezinski said, referring to Democrats opposing law enforcement actions aimed at reducing crime in the city.

Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews, appearing on the program, also criticized the position taken by some Democratic officials and commentators, noting the contradiction between claiming crime is falling while acknowledging that the homicide rate remains elevated.

“You cannot say crime is down, but the homicide rate is up,” Matthews said.

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He argued that the party has repeated mistakes made during the 2024 election cycle, including dismissing public concerns about crime rates.

💡The moment when MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and Mika Brzezinski finally realize Democrats have been duped by Trump into defending violent crime in DC:

“It’s a trap!” pic.twitter.com/J3AlvIKGHA

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) August 13, 2025

The remarks came amid public debate over the accuracy of crime statistics in Washington, D.C.

Local police data released earlier this year reported a drop in certain categories of violent crime, while FBI data showed a smaller decline and continued high homicide numbers compared to pre-pandemic years.

Critics of the Democratic response have pointed to public reactions in the city, including instances of residents booing law enforcement officials during public events.

Supporters of the federal action argue that the intervention is necessary to address safety concerns, while opponents claim it undermines D.C.’s local governance and autonomy.

The discussion on Morning Joe also referenced on-the-ground reporting from MSNBC journalists who have noted safety issues in certain parts of the city.

🚨NEW: MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough reads aloud text from “VERY LIBERAL” person *UNLOADING* on DC crime🚨

“He says, ‘This may sound controversial — but I’m not totally opposed to Trump’s National Guard move in D.C.’”

“‘I know he’s doing it for politics — but crime remains rampant.’”… pic.twitter.com/pAzE7iELcY

— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) August 12, 2025

Brzezinski and Matthews both suggested that downplaying crime trends in the capital risks alienating voters and undermining public trust.

President Trump’s order to federalize the MPD follows a series of high-profile incidents in the city and rising concerns over public safety from residents, business owners, and federal officials.

The appointment of the emergency police commissioner, along with National Guard support, is intended to remain in place while federal authorities assess long-term policing strategies in Washington, D.C.

While the federal measures have been welcomed by some, they have also triggered legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb seeking to block the takeover.

The court case is expected to address questions about the scope of federal authority over the District’s law enforcement.

As the legal and political battle unfolds, the comments from MSNBC’s Morning Joe highlight a divide not only between the White House and D.C. officials but also within the Democratic Party over how to address crime and public safety in the nation’s capital.