Protesters demonstrate against President Donald Trump's planned use of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in Washington, during a rally in front of the White House on Monday. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.

The president, flanked by his attorney general, his defense secretary and the FBI director, said he was declaring a public safety emergency and his administration would be removing homeless encampments.

“We’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared, adding he’d also be “getting rid of the slums.”

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