Trump has greater authority over the D.C. National Guard than state national guards because of the federal government’s control over the nation’s capital. Governors control the state guards, although the president can federalize the guard in an emergency or for use in combat operations.

President Donald Trump directly controls DC's police and National Guard because of the federal enclave's unique status, experts say.

President Donald Trump said Monday he is placing Washington, DC’s, police department “under direct federal control” and deploying National Guard troops to the nation’s capital, citing a public safety emergency after an assault on a former government worker.