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  • Kalshi suspended three political candidates from its platform for insider trading

    Prediction market Kalshi has taken action against three political candidates, alleging that each was engaged with insider trading of information about their campaigns. The company implemented new rules last month aimed at preventing politicians and athletes from placing bets on events they can control, and it said those guardrails helped to flag this trio of cases.

    The three candidates are Mark Moran of Virginia, Matt Klein of Minnesota and Ezekiel Enriquez of Texas. Kalshi reached settlements with Klein and Enriquez, both of whom cooperated in the platform’s investigations. Each will face a fine of less than $1,000 and suspensions of up to five years. Moran’s case has resulted in a disciplinary action, with a five year suspension and a fine of more than $6,000. He posted on X about the situation and claimed this was essentially a stunt to see if he’d be caught and “to highlight how this company is destroying young men.”

    Kalshi and other prediction markets have been the subject of several lawsuits by state attorneys general that are attempting to regulate the sector as gambling. Nevada, Arizona and New York have cases underway, but the state-level attempts are not looking promising. An appeals court ruled against New Jersey’s effort to govern this industry, and the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission has launched a lawsuit of its own in an effort to ensure it will be the only party to regulate prediction markets.

  • KCEX Unregistered Exchange Evades South Korean Ban: iOS App Store Loophole Exposed

    KCEX Unregistered Exchange Evades South Korean Ban: iOS App Store Loophole Exposed

    An unregistered overseas crypto exchange, KCEX, continues to operate in South Korea despite a government ban, leveraging a loophole through the iOS App Store. This situation reveals significant gaps in the country’s regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers. As of April 22, 2025, the exchange remains accessible to South Korean users, undermining efforts to enforce financial oversight.

    KCEX Unregistered Exchange: Background and Timeline

    South Korean financial authorities flagged KCEX for unregistered business activities in August 2024. The exchange, based overseas, never obtained the necessary license from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Despite this, it continues to attract users through its mobile application.

    The timeline of events highlights the challenges regulators face. In 2024, the FSC strengthened rules for virtual asset service providers. They required all exchanges to register with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU). Non-compliance carries penalties, including blocking access to local markets.

    However, KCEX sidestepped these measures. The exchange did not block South Korean IP addresses. Instead, it maintained its app on the iOS App Store. This move allowed users to download and trade freely. The app’s availability on Apple’s platform gives it legitimacy in the eyes of many users.

    How the iOS App Store Bypass Works

    The bypass relies on Apple’s global distribution system. Apple does not individually vet each app for compliance with foreign financial regulations. Instead, it relies on the app developer’s self-certification. KCEX likely listed its app as available in all regions, including South Korea.

    This oversight creates a major enforcement gap. South Korean authorities can block websites and domain names. They can also request internet service providers to restrict access. But they cannot directly remove apps from Apple’s App Store without a formal request to Apple. Such requests take time and often face legal hurdles.

    Additionally, users can bypass regional restrictions by changing their App Store account region. This technique requires no technical skill. It makes the ban nearly impossible to enforce at scale.

    Regulatory Gaps in South Korea’s Crypto Oversight

    South Korea has one of the strictest crypto regulatory environments globally. The Specific Financial Information Act requires all exchanges to register with KoFIU. Exchanges must also implement anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures.

    Despite these rules, unregistered exchanges thrive. A 2024 report from the FSC found over 30 unregistered overseas exchanges targeting South Korean users. These platforms often offer higher leverage or fewer restrictions than domestic exchanges.

    Table: Comparison of Registered vs. Unregistered Exchanges in South Korea

    Impact on South Korean Crypto Users

    The continued availability of KCEX exposes users to significant risks. Without regulatory oversight, these exchanges may engage in market manipulation. They might also fail to secure user funds. In 2023, several unregistered exchanges collapsed, causing millions in losses for South Korean investors.

    Moreover, users face legal consequences. Trading on unregistered platforms violates South Korean law. The FSC has warned that users could face fines or criminal charges. Yet enforcement remains rare, creating a sense of impunity.

    Financial experts emphasize the need for better user education. Many traders choose unregistered exchanges for lower fees or access to specific tokens. They often overlook the risks until a problem occurs.

    Expert Analysis: Why Enforcement Fails

    Legal experts point to jurisdictional issues as the primary barrier. KCEX operates from a country outside South Korea’s legal reach. The FSC cannot issue fines or freeze assets held abroad. International cooperation through bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) exists but is slow.

    Furthermore, technology evolves faster than regulation. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and peer-to-peer platforms add another layer of complexity. Even if Apple removes the KCEX app, users can access the exchange via web browsers or alternative app stores.

    Dr. Kim Min-ji, a professor of financial law at Seoul National University, notes: “The current regulatory framework assumes a centralized, cooperative environment. The crypto market is neither. Regulators must adopt a more proactive, technology-driven approach.”

    Broader Implications for Global Crypto Regulation

    The KCEX case is not unique. Similar situations occur in Japan, the United States, and the European Union. Apple and Google face increasing pressure to vet financial apps more rigorously. In 2024, the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) began requiring app stores to verify the legal status of financial service providers.

    South Korea could adopt similar measures. The FSC has discussed requiring app stores to block unregistered exchanges. However, such a mandate would face legal challenges from Apple and Google. It could also set a precedent for other countries.

    Industry observers predict a shift toward self-regulation. Crypto exchanges may form consortiums to verify each other’s compliance. Blockchain analytics firms already offer tools to identify unregistered platforms. These tools could help app stores automate vetting processes.

    Conclusion

    The KCEX unregistered exchange case highlights the persistent challenge of enforcing crypto regulations in a globalized digital economy. Despite South Korea’s robust legal framework, the iOS App Store loophole allows the exchange to operate freely. This situation underscores the need for international cooperation, technological innovation in enforcement, and greater user awareness. Until regulators close these gaps, unregistered exchanges will continue to pose risks to investors and undermine financial stability.

    FAQs

    Q1: What is KCEX, and why is it considered unregistered in South Korea?
    KCEX is an overseas cryptocurrency exchange that has not registered with South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) as required by law. It was flagged for unregistered activities in August 2024 but continues to operate.

    Q2: How does KCEX bypass South Korea’s ban through the iOS App Store?
    The exchange lists its app as available in all regions on Apple’s App Store. Apple does not automatically block apps based on foreign financial regulations, allowing South Korean users to download and use it.

    Q3: What risks do users face when trading on unregistered exchanges like KCEX?
    Users risk financial loss from potential scams or exchange collapses. They also face legal consequences, including fines or criminal charges, for violating South Korea’s Specific Financial Information Act.

    Q4: Can South Korean authorities force Apple to remove the KCEX app?
    Yes, but only through a formal legal request. The process is slow and requires international cooperation. Apple may comply if the request is legally sound, but enforcement is not immediate.

    Q5: What steps can South Korea take to prevent similar loopholes in the future?
    Regulators could mandate app stores to verify the registration status of financial apps. They could also strengthen international partnerships and adopt blockchain-based monitoring tools to detect unregistered platforms.

  • A Decisive Moment for Bitcoin: The $80,100 Level Is Critical

    A Decisive Moment for Bitcoin: The $80,100 Level Is Critical

    In its latest report on the Bitcoin market, cryptocurrency analytics company Glassnode stated that the price is retesting critical thresholds and the market has entered a “decision phase.”

    According to Glassnode’s analysis, Bitcoin signaled a significant shift in market structure by surpassing the $78,100 level, which has long been considered a crucial reference point, often seen as the boundary between bull and bear regimes.

    The report states that the short-term investor cost basis is at $80,100, and this area currently stands out as strong resistance. According to the analysis, if the price rises towards $80,000, more than 54% of investors who bought recently will be in profit. This threshold historically marks the point where uptrends begin to tire and selling pressure increases.

    Glassnode data reveals that short-term investors realized profits of up to $4.4 million per hour, roughly three times the average of $1.5 million seen at local peaks earlier in the year. According to the analytics firm, this signals a need for caution in the market.

    Related News Anthony Pompliano Claims the Bitcoin Bull Market Has Begun – “The Sling Shot Effect Is Coming”

    On the other hand, there are signs of a limited recovery in the institutional sector. The 7-day average flows into Bitcoin ETFs turning positive again indicate a gradual return of institutional demand after a long period of outflows.

    Early signs of recovery are also being observed in the spot market. While the cumulative volume delta has moved into positive territory, buyers are reportedly behaving more aggressively, particularly on offshore exchanges. In contrast, derivatives markets are presenting a more cautious outlook. The continued negative perpetual funding rates indicate that short positions are gaining weight in the market. However, this situation could act as “fuel” for an upward movement if spot demand strengthens.

    On the volatility front, pressure persists. Both implied and realized volatility remaining low indicates the disappearance of premiums in option pricing, suggesting that investors have not yet taken a clear position on a strong direction.

    According to Glassnode, from a technical perspective, the $80,000 level acts as mechanical resistance in upward movements, but if the price falls back to $75,000, there is a risk that downward movements will accelerate.

    *This is not investment advice.

  • Prediction market Kalshi docks three US candidates for betting on own races

    Prediction market Kalshi docks three US candidates for betting on own races

    The penalties come amid calls for greater oversight, as the company pledges to proactively police ‘insider trading’ on its platforms.

    Predictive market platform Kalshi has punished three unnamed United States political candidates for taking part in “insider trading” by betting on their own campaigns.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Kalshi explained that it had taken the enforcement action after launching a new raft of safeguards.

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    Concerns had been raised over the lack of regulations in online betting, amid an explosion in popularity for prediction market platforms. The sites allow people to place bets on an array of cultural, sporting, political and geopolitical events.

    “Just like in traditional financial markets, bad actors will try to cheat,” Kalshi said in a statement, adding that the three cases “are an example of how developing proactive engineering solutions can help identify illicit trading activity”.

    The first instance Kalshi identified involved a candidate in the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district. The statement did not identify which candidate it had penalised from the five-way primary, which will be held on August 11.

    Kalshi said the candidate “traded a small amount on the outcome of his own election”. He subsequently paid a $539.85 fine and was suspended from the platform for five years.

    A second case concerned a candidate in the Republican primary for Texas’s 21st congressional district, which former professional baseball player Mark Teixeira won in early April.

    Like the earlier case, Kalshi did not identify which of the three Republican candidates had placed a “fairly small” bet on the outcome of his own election. The individual was made to pay a $784.20 fine and was suspended for five years from the platform.

    A third case involved the Democratic primary for Virginia’s US Senate election. Four candidates are currently running in the race, including incumbent Senator Mark Warner, with the vote set for August 4.

    Kalshi did not identify the candidate in question but said he “traded in two markets related to his campaign”, the first concerning wagers about who would run for public office in 2026.

    The candidate “placed a trade on himself in this market”, Kalshi said.

    “Then, once the trader announced himself as a candidate for the Democratic Primary election for Virginia US Senate, he again traded on his own candidacy.”

    Kalshi added that the candidate stopped responding to contacts from the company and was given a five-year suspension and a fine of $6,229.30.

    Calls for oversight

    Platforms like Kalshi and its top rival, Polymarket, have expanded rapidly in recent years, raising concerns over the potential for insider trading.

    Those concerns were piqued most recently amid the US-Israel war on Iran, which has seen instances of bets surging ahead of government actions that should otherwise be shrouded in secrecy.

    In one example, 150 new accounts appeared on Polymarket ahead of the initial US-Israeli strikes on February 28, according to Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Greg Casar, who introduced legislation for more oversight in March.

    At least 109 of the new accounts made more than $10,000 in betting on the prospect of the US and Israel striking Iran. One account banked more than half a million dollars.

    Speaking at a news conference in March, Murphy charged that the insider information was coming from the administration of US President Donald Trump.

    “It seems pretty clear what happened. People inside the White House, or those close to the White House with knowledge of the attack that was imminent, cashed in,” Murphy said.

    Prediction market platforms are regulated in the US by the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), but several states have said they should also be regulated under local gambling laws.

    In March, Arizona became the first state to file criminal charges against Kalshi for allegedly operating an illegal gambling operation.

  • IATSE Backs Tom Steyer in Race for California Governor (EXCLUSIVE)

    IATSE Backs Tom Steyer in Race for California Governor (EXCLUSIVE)

    The largest crew union in Hollywood has endorsed Tom Steyer, the hedge fund founder whose anti-corporate rhetoric has attracted labor backing in the race for California governor.

    In making the announcement, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees noted Steyer’s interest in keeping film and TV production in Los Angeles. Steyer has also slammed the merger of Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. and proposed a tax on AI computations in order to fund training for displaced workers.

    “Tom Steyer is committed to protecting union work, advancing labor standards, and keeping production in California in live events, film and TV,” said Brigitta Romanov, the president of the California IATSE Council. “He recognizes that without immediate action, we risk losing the jobs and infrastructure that power our industry.”

    Steyer is among the top Democrats running in the June 2 primary, according to polls. He has spent more than $115 million of his own money on TV and radio ads, vastly more than his rivals.

    He has also picked up endorsements from the California Teachers Association, the California Federation of Teachers, and the California Nurses Association. He supports a single-payer health system for California and promised to tax wealthy people and corporations to pay for health care and education.

    In an interview with Variety last week, he said he wants to expand the state’s tax incentive for film and TV production, though he did not offer a specific proposal.

    “I look at this tax credit and I see it as an investment where we get more than our money back,” Steyer said. “So I don’t see this as a cost.”

    Steyer also blasted Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav, saying that his $700-$800 million buyout as a result of the Paramount merger is “truly disgusting.”

    Other candidates have also vowed to increase the tax incentive. Matt Mahan, the mayor of San Jose, and Antonio Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles, promised to eliminate the $750 million cap on the tax credit, though neither said how much that might cost.

    Meanwhile, the Teamsters union — including its Hollywood local — has thrown its support behind former Rep. Katie Porter.

    IATSE represents about 50,000 motion picture workers in California and 130,000 workers overall in the U.S. Its ranks include grips, prop masters, cinematographers, set dressers, boom operators, sound mixers, hair and makeup workers, costumers and others.

    “I look forward to safeguarding the entertainment industry and ensuring production not only stays in California but thrives with substantial tax credits and a commitment to unionized labor — and I’ll never be a rubber stamp for the AI industry,” Steyer said in a statement. “I’m honored to have IATSE’s support.”

    IATSE has led the way in pushing for a federal subsidy for film and TV production, which it argues is needed to put Hollywood on a level playing field with foreign competitors like London and Toronto.

    The Entertainment Union Coalition, a group of Hollywood labor groups, has met with nine candidates for governor, including three who have since dropped out. Rebecca Rhine, the president of the coalition, said that all of them, including Republican Steve Hilton, were generally receptive to the group’s point of view. The coalition does not make endorsements.

  • Ecco the Dolphin: Complete will combine remasters and a sequel into one package

    Last year, Ecco the Dolphin creator Ed Annunizata teased plans to remaster the first two games in the series and create an entirely new sequel. Ecco the Dolphin: Complete, announced by Annunziata’s studio A&R Atelier, appears to be the result of that work. The game doesn’t have a release date yet, but A&R Atelier says it combines the planned remasters and third title into “the complete, definitive Ecco the Dolphin experience, created by the people who made the originals.”

    Complete includes “all versions of Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time,” according to the developer, alongside “a brand-new contemporary Ecco game.” Besides graphical improvements, A&E Atelier says the game will introduce “built-in speedrunning support, achievements and leaderboards,” and things like the ability to create custom courses from existing levels. And while A&R Atelier’s announcement doesn’t include footage of the new game or the platforms it’ll release on, the official Ecco the Dolphin website has a countdown clock that could point to when more information will be released.

    Annunziata sued Sega to try and win the rights to the Ecco the Dolphin IP in 2013, the same year he failed to get The Big Blue, a spiritual sequel to Ecco the Dolphin, fully funded on Kickstarter. Sega and Annunziata ultimately settled their lawsuit in 2016, which may have laid the groundwork for Ecco the Dolphin: Complete to happen.

  • Coinbase warns of quantum risk: Is crypto prepared for a slow-moving security crisis?

    Coinbase warns of quantum risk: Is crypto prepared for a slow-moving security crisis?

    Quantum computing is no longer a distant theory, as early signals now suggest crypto holders may soon face a silent race to secure their funds.

    The Coinbase advisory board has now noted that a quantum computer capable of breaking encryption remains over a decade away.

    Source: Coinbase

    As the picture became clearer, attention shifted toward the “harvest now, decrypt later” risk model. This means exposed keys today may become targets once quantum capability arrives.

    Around 6.9 million Bitcoin [BTC], or 32% of the supply, already sits in exposed wallets.

    This creates uneven risk, where older wallets face higher vulnerability. As a result, holders may need to migrate funds within a proposed three-year window, which may reshape behavior and network activity.

    Blockchain responses to quantum risk begin to diverge

    Quantum risk is pushing blockchains into early preparation, which is reshaping how networks approach long-term security. Bitcoin is exploring new address formats, though it has not committed to a full upgrade, which reflects cautious coordination.

    As this unfolds, Ethereum [ETH] has outlined a detailed migration roadmap, which may improve scalability alongside stronger security.

    Meanwhile, Solana [SOL], Algorand, and Aptos have begun rolling out quantum-resistant options, which signals faster adaptation among newer chains.

    Layer 2 networks like Optimism [OP] have also introduced transition timelines, which adds clarity to execution.

    This uneven progress creates divergence, where some networks move faster than others. Over time, this gap may influence capital flows, as users and developers shift toward ecosystems with clearer upgrade paths.

    Execution risk drives quantum readiness

    The focus has shifted from quantum capability to execution risk, which now drives market perception. Post-quantum cryptography already exists, yet adoption speed remains the key challenge.

    As this becomes clearer, readiness starts to diverge, since Algorand and Aptos move faster than major networks.

    Meanwhile, Ethereum and Solana still use validator signatures that aren’t secure against future threats, which increases risks by making networks vulnerable to delays in upgrades, problems with validators, and possible security issues.

    As markets process this shift, price impact remains muted in the short term, since no immediate threat exists. However, medium-term volatility may rise, as news around breakthroughs or upgrades shapes sentiment.

    Over time, assets may develop a safety premium, as investors favor networks with proven migration paths. This dynamic shifts valuation toward crypto-agility, where faster upgrades may attract capital and strengthen long-term positioning.

    Final Summary

    • Bitcoin faces rising quantum risk, as exposed wallets and migration pressure begin to reshape long-term security and user behavior.
    • Ethereum and Solana show growing divergence, as quantum upgrade readiness starts to drive valuation and capital flows.
  • April 2026 Is Already the Worst Month for Crypto Hacks Since February 2025, With $606 Million Lost in 18 Days

    April 2026 Is Already the Worst Month for Crypto Hacks Since February 2025, With $606 Million Lost in 18 Days

    Crypto protocols have lost more than $606 million to hacks and exploits in just the first 18 days of April 2026, making it the single worst month for theft in the industry since the $1.4 billion Bybit breach in February 2025, according to data from DefiLlama.

    Crypto protocols have lost more than $606 million to hackers across 12 separate incidents in just 18 days of April 2026, according to data tracked by DefiLlama. Yahoo Finance reported the figure from BeInCrypto’s analysis, confirming that April has already become the worst month for crypto theft since February 2025, when the Bybit breach alone accounted for $1.4 billion.

    April 2026 Crypto Hacks Dwarf the Entire First Quarter

    The scale of April’s damage is stark in context. The entire first quarter of 2026 saw $165.5 million in losses across a relatively quiet stretch. April’s $606 million total arrived in under three weeks, making the month 3.7 times larger than Q1 combined and pushing 2026’s year-to-date theft total to approximately $771.8 million across 47 separate incidents. Two exploits account for nearly all of it. The $285 million Drift Protocol attack on April 1, later attributed to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, and the $292 million KelpDAO breach on April 18, also linked to Lazarus, together represent roughly 95% of the month’s losses and approximately 75% of everything stolen in crypto in 2026 so far. As crypto.news reported, the KelpDAO exploit alone triggered over $10 billion in Aave outflows and sent shockwaves across more than 20 connected protocols.

    The Attack Frequency Problem Is Getting Worse

    Beyond the dollar totals, the pace of attacks is accelerating in a way that concerns security researchers as much as the individual incident sizes. DeFi recorded 47 separate incidents in the first four and a half months of 2026, compared with 28 over the same period in 2025, a 68% year-over-year increase in attack frequency. The shift in attack methods is equally significant. As crypto.news documented, April’s exploits cut across smart contract vulnerabilities, infrastructure attacks, and social engineering campaigns, including AI-driven attacks on wallets like Zerion. The diversification of attack vectors means that technical audits and code reviews alone are no longer sufficient protection for protocols with significant TVL. “None of these accounts for the collateral damage seen across TVL, user trust, valuations, and the space’s morale. DeFi remains a niche market until risk can be properly priced,” an analyst wrote in BeInCrypto’s coverage.

    What the April Hack Surge Means for Crypto Markets

    Markets have already begun pricing in what analysts are calling a “security risk premium” on DeFi assets. As crypto.news tracked, crypto’s cumulative hack losses have now crossed $17 billion over the past decade, with attackers increasingly pivoting away from smart contract bugs toward private keys, signing infrastructure, and human-layer social engineering. Institutional players are responding with emergency rate limits and frozen bridge flows, while Jefferies has warned the string of marquee hacks could temporarily slow Wall Street’s appetite for DeFi tokenization projects. If even one more mid-size exploit occurs before April 30, the month’s total could approach $700 million, according to DefiLlama data cited by BeInCrypto.

    DefiLlama’s hacks tracker shows the attack frequency running at approximately one incident every 2.9 days in 2026, a pace researchers say reflects a growing attack surface driven by DeFi TVL exceeding $120 billion and the proliferation of cross-chain bridge infrastructure.

  • Spurs’ Keldon Johnson named 2025-26 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year

    San Antonio Spurs guard-forward Keldon Johnson has been named the 2025-26 Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year, earning the John Havlicek Trophy.

    Johnson set a Spurs franchise record with 1,081 bench points this season. He passed Manu Ginóbili, who scored 927 in 2007-08 – his Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year season.

    Johnson joins Ginóbili as the only two players to win the award with San Antonio.

    Voting Results

  • US suspect accused of stealing Kristi Noem’s purse sentenced to three years

    US suspect accused of stealing Kristi Noem’s purse sentenced to three years

    President Trump has used incidents of crime to justify an ongoing National Guard deployment to the capital, Washington, DC.

    A United States district court has sentenced a Chilean man to three years in prison for stealing a handbag last year belonging to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

    On Wednesday, the administration of President Donald Trump added that the suspect, 50-year-old Mario Bustamante Leiva, would also be subject to deportation after his time behind bars.

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    “Bustamante Leiva came to Washington illegally to prey on citizens of the District. He methodically targeted women at restaurants, stealing their purses, and monetizing the stolen cards within minutes,” US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a statement.

    “His pattern of theft ends here. He will serve his prison term and be deported.”

    The bag-snatching case raised concerns last year about the efficacy of Noem’s Secret Service protection, as agents had been guarding the cabinet secretary on the night of the theft.

    The Trump administration has also used the case as an example to justify its deportation push, as well as its military-led crackdown on crime in Washington, DC.

    According to prosecutors, Bustamante Leiva was one of two suspects who were caught on surveillance camera stealing purses in Washington, DC, in April 2025.

    His co-defendant, Cristian Montecino-Sanzana, reportedly joined him for the first documented theft on April 12. He has been sentenced to 13 months behind bars and three years of supervised release, but he too faces deportation.

    Bustamante Leiva was also accused of a second theft on April 17 at the Westin Hotel in Washington, DC. In both cases, the stolen credit cards were later used at a grocery store to purchase gift cards.

    The case involving Noem came on April 20, as the Homeland Security secretary dined with her family at Capital Burger.

    “Surveillance cameras recorded Bustamente Leiva repeatedly looking down toward Noem’s purse before bending down and snatching it,” a statement from the US Justice Department reads. “Noem’s purse contained several credit cards and about $3,000 in cash.”

    Bustamente Leiva was ultimately charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of first-degree theft.

    Last year, Trump initiated a series of National Guard deployments around the country on the premise of safeguarding immigration agents and tamping down crime.

    In August, that campaign came to Washington, DC, which Trump described as overwhelmed with crime. Official data at the time, however, put violent crime in the city at a 30-year low.

    “Citizens, tourists, and staff alike are unable to live peacefully in the Nation’s capital, which is under siege from violent crime,” Trump wrote in an executive order on August 11.

    As part of his order, he deployed thousands of National Guard troops to patrol the capital to address what he described as a “crime emergency”.

    While court cases forced Trump to remove National Guard members from other parts of the country, the military has remained on the streets of Washington, DC, in part because of the Home Rule Act, which gives the federal government greater power over the capital.

    But there are limits. Federal law otherwise largely forbids the military from serving as civilian law enforcement, so the troops cannot make arrests.

    Roughly 2,500 troops remain in the capital to support local law enforcement. It is unclear when their deployment might end.

    Noem, meanwhile, was fired as Homeland Security secretary on March 5, amid growing scrutiny of her government spending and her controversial immigration enforcement efforts in places like Minnesota.

    She has since been reassigned to the Shield of the Americas, Trump’s initiative to encourage Latin American leaders to reject Chinese influence in their countries and use heavy force to stop crime.