Trump Declares War on DC Crime: Federal Takeover Imminent?!
Washington D.C. is bracing for a potential federal intervention as former President Trump vows to crack down on crime in the nation's capital. The White House has announced an increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., for at least the next week to combat crime. This move comes after weeks of escalating rhetoric from Trump regarding crime rates in the city.
Trump's Promise: A Safer D.C.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to declare that a press conference would be held at the White House on Monday, promising it would “essentially, stop violent crime in Washington, D.C.” He added that the city has “become one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the World” and that it “will soon be one of the safest!!!”
Federal Agencies Mobilized
According to reports, the policing initiative will be led by the U.S. Park Police, with cooperation from more than a dozen other federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This surge in federal policing began early Friday morning and is expected to last seven days, with the possibility of extension.
Crime Stats Tell a Different Story
While Trump paints a grim picture of D.C.'s safety, data suggests a more nuanced reality. Violent crime in D.C. is reportedly down 26% so far in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Homicides have decreased by 12%, and assaults with a dangerous weapon are down 20%. Carjackings have also seen a decline compared to the previous two years.
The announcement follows an attempted carjacking and assault on a former staffer, prompting Trump to threaten federal intervention. Whether this action is a genuine effort to improve public safety or a politically motivated power play remains to be seen.
Questions Remain
Details surrounding Monday's announcement remain scarce. It is unclear whether Trump will speak during the event or if it will be open to reporters outside the White House pool. The exact nature of the federal intervention and its long-term implications for Washington, D.C., are still uncertain.