President Donald Trump made bold moves to address the escalating crime in Washington, D.C. His recent actions come in response to the rising violence, car thefts, and carjackings plaguing the city. Trump signed an Executive Order and outlined a comprehensive plan to restore law and order, signaling a new era of federal intervention in local crime control. (RELATED: Trump Takes On Crime in D.C.)
The D.C. Crime Crisis
The crime rate in Washington, D.C., has reached alarming levels. Trump pointed out that “The murder rate in Washington today is higher than that of Bogota, Columbia, Mexico City…” He continued, “The number of car thefts has doubled over the past five years, and the number of carjackings has more than tripled.” These shocking statistics underscore the urgent need for action.
FACT: D.C. Crime Is Out of Control. ⬇️
Our nation’s capital should be a symbol of patriotism for the American people—NOT a city of lawlessness. It ends today. pic.twitter.com/TdLERGXVVP
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 11, 2025
The situation became even more dire last week. Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, a former DOGE staffer, was injured while defending a woman from a carjacking. A group of about a dozen young men attacked the woman. Coristine intervened, resulting in a concussion. Police arrested two 15-year-olds involved in the attack, but others remain at large. This event and others prompted President Trump to take immediate action.
Federalizing D.C. Law Enforcement
In a historic move, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This action places the D.C. Metropolitan Police under direct federal control. It gives the federal government the authority to oversee local law enforcement and take strong action to combat crime.
Trump announced, “I am announcing a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, squalor, and worse. This is Liberation Day in D.C. and we’re going to take our capital back.” His declaration marked the start of a major federal effort to restore safety in the city.
It’s “Liberation Day” in Washington, D.C.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump took bold executive action to liberate Washington, D.C., from the cesspool of crime and homelessness that it has become after decades of unilateral Democrat leadership.”https://t.co/mL6oRxBW4Y
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) August 11, 2025
National Guard Deployed to D.C.
Trump also ordered the deployment of the National Guard. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed, “This morning, we have mobilized the D.C. National Guard… You will see them flowing through the streets of D.C.” A total of 1,000 National Guard troops have been sent to assist in law enforcement efforts. The deployment also leaves open the possibility of deploying active-duty military personnel if necessary.
. @SecDef “Mr. President, it is an honor to be here and at your direction, this morning we’ve mobilized the D.C. National Guard…
They will be STRONG and TOUGH, and they will STAND with their law enforcement partners.” pic.twitter.com/L6Bk5spgY2
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) August 11, 2025
Attorney General Pam Bondi, now in charge of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, was clear: “Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here.”
Immediate Law Enforcement Operations
Trump’s plan includes aggressive law enforcement operations. These operations will target gangs, drug dealers, and criminal networks in D.C. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro emphasized, “We need to recognize that the people who matter are the law-abiding citizens! President Trump is going to make sure these emboldened criminals understand: We see you, we’re watching you, and we’re going to change the law to catch you!”
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed this sentiment, pointing to a similar operation in Northern Virginia. “We stood up a task force in Northern Virginia, [and] we said ‘Let’s let good cops be cops.’ In one month, we arrested 545 violent felons,” Patel said. “That simplicity in law enforcement is what’s coming to Washington, D.C.”
Addressing Homelessness and Public Safety
Trump’s plan goes beyond crime. He is also addressing the issue of homelessness in the city. “We are going to be removing homeless encampments from all over our parks… We’re getting rid of the people from underpasses and public spaces,” Trump said. The president emphasized that while law enforcement will be the priority, helping the homeless will still be part of the solution. “We’ll help them as much as you can help,” he added.
A Nationwide Push Against Cashless Bail
In addition to federalizing D.C. law enforcement, Trump is targeting the issue of cashless bail. He has called on Republicans in Congress to outlaw cashless bail systems nationwide. “That is what started the problem,” Trump said, blaming the practice for the rise in crime. He pointed to the Democratic Party’s weak stance on crime, accusing them of enabling criminals to avoid consequences. Trump’s legislative push would ensure that violent offenders are held accountable before they are allowed to return to the streets. (RELATED: Newsome Attacks Republicans On Violent Crime — Data Tell Different Story)
Expanding Federal Control to Other Cities
While Trump’s immediate focus is on D.C., he hinted at expanding this strategy to other cities facing similar crime issues. Trump mentioned that after federalizing D.C., he is considering the same approach for New York City and Chicago. Both cities have also seen rising crime rates, and Trump’s federalization strategy could be a model for other urban centers.
The Path Forward: A Vision for Safer Cities
Trump’s actions represent a significant shift in how the federal government deals with crime in American cities. By federalizing D.C. law enforcement, deploying the National Guard, and focusing on aggressive law enforcement tactics, Trump is taking unprecedented steps to restore order in Washington. His push to outlaw cashless bail and sanctuary cities, and his plans for further federal involvement in other cities, show his commitment to cracking down on crime nationwide.
As the operation in Washington unfolds, Trump’s efforts may serve as a blueprint for other cities struggling with rising crime. His federal approach to crime control could change the way urban America tackles public safety issues. They may be more inclined to take appropriate steps to handle it at a local level.
As the situation in D.C. evolves, the nation will watch closely to see how these historic actions shape the future of crime prevention across the country.
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