During Monday’s episode of MSNBC’s “Rachel Maddow Show,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commented on the National Guard’s deployment and the federalization of Washington, D.C.’s police force, suggesting that it’s a move to intimidate both local officials and the public. She expressed uncertainty about the situation in D.C., speculating that it may not be as dire as described in the press conference to justify such federal intervention.

Host Rachel Maddow inquired, “Do you think this could be perceived as an intimidation strategy not only towards local and state officials but also the general public?”

Bass replied affirmatively, “Absolutely, it’s a tactic to test the waters, to see how much the American populace will accept. It’s curious how certain mayors and cities have been targeted. In Los Angeles, we’ve seen crime rates fall significantly, reaching the lowest homicide levels in 60 years, with homelessness also decreasing.”

Bass added, “He highlights issues like homelessness and crime in Washington, D.C. I don’t know the exact situation there, but I suspect they’re not experiencing the level of distress portrayed in the press conference, making the federal response seem unwarranted.”