Trump Vows Crackdown on Crime and Homelessness in DC/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ President Donald Trump pledged sweeping new actions to address crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C., sparking concerns over federal overreach. Mayor Muriel Bowser questioned his potential use of the National Guard, pointing to falling violent crime rates. Trump’s push reflects a broader effort to centralize law enforcement power under the White House.
Trump Washington Crime Crackdown Quick Looks
- Announcement: Trump to unveil plan to “liberate” the capital at Monday news conference.
- Goal: Reduce crime, clear homeless encampments, and beautify Washington.
- Homeless policy: Relocate people “far from the Capital,” according to Trump.
- Federal action: 120+ federal agents deployed from multiple agencies.
- Guard debate: Bowser questions effectiveness of National Guard street patrols.
- Crime data: Violent crime down 26% from 2024, officials say.
- Legal angle: Trump exploring repeal of D.C.’s 1973 Home Rule Act.
- Catalyst: Attack on top Department of Government Efficiency official.
Trump Vows Crackdown on Crime and Homelessness in DC
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is preparing a high-profile announcement on crime and homelessness in the District of Columbia, pledging to make the capital “safer and more beautiful than it ever was before” while raising the prospect of federal control over the city’s streets.
In a Monday morning social media post, Trump declared that Washington would be “LIBERATED today!” and vowed to end “the days of ruthlessly killing, or hurting, innocent people.” He is scheduled to address the nation from the White House at 10 a.m. EDT.
A Broader Law-and-Order Push
The move reflects Trump’s continued emphasis on aggressive law enforcement, coming after his expanded border security measures earlier this year. It also fits a larger pattern of consolidating decision-making power within the White House — a trend that could reshape the balance between federal and local authorities.
On Sunday, Trump zeroed in on the city’s homeless population, calling for immediate relocation.
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote. “We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong.”
Federal Deployment Already Underway
Last week, Trump ordered an increase in federal law enforcement presence for at least seven days, with an option to extend. On Friday night, more than 120 officers and agents from agencies including the Secret Service, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service were already working in the capital.
He has also floated bringing in the D.C. National Guard and taking steps toward a full federal takeover of public safety — something that would require repealing the Home Rule Act of 1973 through Congress.
Mayor Bowser Pushes Back
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, voiced skepticism about the plan, arguing that the National Guard would be better used for emergencies, not routine law enforcement.
“I just think that’s not the most efficient use of our Guard,” Bowser told MSNBC, adding that the city would benefit more from additional prosecutors and filling 15 long-vacant Superior Court judgeships.
While acknowledging the president has the legal authority to deploy the Guard, she stressed: “None of those conditions exist in our city right now. We are not experiencing a spike in crime. In fact, we’re watching our crime numbers go down.”
Crime Trends and Trump’s Criticism
- Homicides, robberies, and burglaries are down compared with 2024.
- Violent crime has dropped 26% year-over-year.
Still, Trump insists the city is plagued by “tents, squalor, filth, and Crime,” pointing to the recent assault of Edward Coristine, a senior official in the Department of Government Efficiency, as a symbol of lawlessness. Two 15-year-olds have been arrested in connection with the attempted carjacking, and police are seeking more suspects.
Possible Federal Overreach
Legal analysts note that Trump’s powers allow him to direct federal agencies and even the National Guard in D.C., but taking over the Metropolitan Police Department would require a formal emergency declaration. A full repeal of home rule — which gave Washington residents the right to elect their own mayor and council — would likely face significant political resistance.
The Home Rule Act, signed by President Richard Nixon in 1973, ended nearly a century of direct congressional control, but left the city without voting representation in Congress and limited its autonomy in ways not seen in U.S. states.
Trump has hinted his legal team is “examining” ways to override local authority if necessary.
Next Steps
The White House has kept details of Monday’s announcement under wraps, but Trump’s posts suggest an immediate crackdown on encampments, intensified street patrols, and possible legal measures to expand federal oversight.
Whether those measures will be welcomed or resisted could hinge on whether Washington residents see them as restoring order — or undermining the city’s self-governance.
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