'It would not be America': Martina Navratilova slams Donald Trump for taking over Washington police and deploying troops
Martina Navratilova, the famous former tennis player, spoke up on August 14, 2025, on her X account. She shared how upset she was with President Donald J. Trump. Trump had taken over the Washington, D.C.
, police force and brought in 800 National Guard troops, saying the move was needed to fight rising violent crime in the city. But crime was actually at a low. Navratilova shared a Rolling Stone report and wrote plainly: 'He would love nothing more than an excuse to open fire on protesters.' She once said, calling out Trump's policy,
'I were now still in that same position and I had to go live somewhere, it would not be America, because it's not a democracy at the moment'
Martina Navratilova reacts to Trump's police takeover and protests
One of the all-time greats, Martina Navratilova, renounced her former nation and is now a United States citizen.
She achieved 18 Grand Slams overall and won her first at Wimbledon in 1978 against Chris Evert.
Under Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act, President Trump signed an executive order on August 11, 2025. He said violent crime was surging and took temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department. He also sent in 800 National Guard soldiers to the capital.
But news outlets like PolitiFact and local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, said crime had actually gone down since 2023.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Get Paid Instantly for Your Car [Sell Now]
Cars24 - Sell Your Car
Sell Now
Undo
by Taboola
by Taboola
Studies found violent crime dropped by about 26–35 per cent in recent years.
In response, many residents took to the streets. They called the military move harsh and anti-democratic. Against this backdrop, Navratilova's warning rang out: she said Trump looked for any excuse to silence or harm protesters. Her words echoed the concern many felt.
Also Read:
'More than any American Culture': Martina Navratilova once shared how Chris Evert's Catholic upbringing shaped her tennis image
Martina Navratilova on moving to the U.S. under Trump's rule
Martina Navratilova, who moved to America in 1981, also spoke recently about immigration. In a BBC interview, she said if she had to choose a country to live in today under President Trump, she would not pick the U.S. She said it no longer felt like a democracy. Many people, she pointed out, are deported for not fully supporting Trump's agenda or simply for not
'kissing the ring.'
Martina Navratilova said that when she left her home at 18, she did not know if she would ever see her parents again. Now, looking back, she questions whether she could have made that move under Trump's policies. Her words suggest deep concern about where America is heading.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Economic Times
20 minutes ago
- Economic Times
How tall is Putin really? Alaska summit photos with Trump invite fresh debate over Russian leader's height
Synopsis During a high-stakes meeting in Alaska, the height difference between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin became a major talking point online. Trump, noticeably taller, appeared to have a dominant physical presence, sparking discussions about body language and power dynamics. Despite the chatter, the meeting primarily focused on the Russia-Ukraine war and potential economic talks. AP Putin's height in the spotlight: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) How tall is Putin? That question lit up online chatter after US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, August 15. The high-stakes talks, which will possibly explore a possible end to the Russia–Ukraine war and the overall US-Russia relations. It featured a red-carpet welcome and an overhead flyby by B-2 bombers, but it was the noticeable height difference between the two leaders that stole the internet's attention, reigniting debate over the Russian leader's true who stands at 6'3' (190 cm), appeared noticeably taller than Putin, who is reported to be 5'7' (168 cm) as per the ExpressUSNews. As the two leaders shook hands on the tarmac, social media users commented on Trump's apparent 'dominance' in body language and physical presence. Also Read: B-2 stealth bomber roars overhead as Trump, Putin arrive at Alaska base; internet debates whether it was a show of honor or a veiled warning Several observers suggested that the handshake, firm and deliberate, was the US president's assertive stance. "As Trump stands waiting, he's smiling—a sign he's comfortable and looking forward to the event," said Patty Ann Wood, a body language expert, to Newsweek. "It's his natural smile, small and slightly downturned at the corners. His shoulders are back more than usual; he might be wearing a form-fitting undergarment because his posture is unusually erect. This all suggests confidence."In the online world, one user on X remarked, 'Trump looks dominant and won the initial body language. Putin, who is significantly smaller in height, looked at a disadvantage from the start.' Another joked about the size gap, claiming, 'Putin must be using special shoes again to look taller.'Despite the online chatter, the meeting's official focus remained the Ukraine conflict. Trump was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for the discussions. The US delegation expressed hope for progress toward peace, though Trump acknowledged the Russian side also brought business representatives. He signaled openness to economic talks if there were positive developments on Ukraine.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Russian Military Surprises Ukraine In Putin's Absence; Dramatic Action Hours Before Trump Summit
/ Aug 16, 2025, 03:38AM IST Russian forces launch intense operations in Ukraine hours before the high-stakes Alaska summit between Presidents Putin and Trump. Videos released by the Russian Defence Ministry show targeted strikes on Ukrainian positions in Kherson and Donetsk, including the destruction of a rare self-propelled howitzer and multiple fortified positions. Russia claims heavy Ukrainian losses, signaling a major battlefield advantage ahead of the diplomatic talks. Watch
Hindustan Times
20 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Give me the scoop': Lip-reader reveals Putin's secret message to Trump at Alaska airport tarmac
As President Donald Trump greeted Vladimir Putin at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, the two exchanged a few ideas about Ukraine and their meeting. A lip reader revealed that the US president was 'somewhat impatient' and his first word after shaking hands was: 'Finally'. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for photos(AFP) Trump and Putin met for the first time in six years to discuss the war in Ukraine. At the tarmac, when reporters asked the Russian president, 'When will you stop killing civilians?', he responded with a simple shrug, indicating that he couldn't hear them. A lip reader later told The Daily Mail that Trump and Putin appeared to be talking about helping each other. Read More: 'Snipers in Anchorage': Commentator faces flak amid Putin assassination row ahead of Trump meeting Trump said, 'You made it, fantastic to see you, and appreciated.' The lip reader further told the Daily Mail that Putin replied with 'Thank you, and you. I am here to help you'. The US president then said he wants to help, too. The Kremlin leader, as per the report, told his counterpart that he 'will bring it to a rest', possibly referring to the Ukraine war. 'All they need is to ask,' he said. 'I hope it does,' Trump said. The two leaders then entered a limousine as they headed for their meeting. The lip reader further revealed details. Read More: Putin's bizarre reaction to 'when will you stop killing' question before Trump meeting - Watch 'Come on, let's get straight into the vehicle. We need to move forward, both giving it attention. I know this is serious; it's quite long. What a journey it is,' Trump reportedly replied. Putin wants 'the scoop' The Russian president reportedly asked for the 'scoop'. 'Give me the scoop,' he told Trump, according to the lip reader. 'It's cargo fuel,' Trump said. It's unclear what exactly they were discussing. President Trump even instructed Putin to shake his hand because 'it gives a good impression'. 'Thank you,' Putin reportedly said.
