On Monday, President Donald Trump held a significant news conference to unveil his ambitious plans aimed at curbing violent crime in Washington, D.C.. He emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, "We're here for a very serious purpose. Very serious, very," highlighting the escalating crime rates in the nation’s capital. Trump declared the day as "Liberation Day in DC," asserting a commitment to reclaim the city from what he termed as "crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor."
In a bold move, Trump announced the declaration of a public safety emergency, which includes placing the Washington police department under federal control and deploying the National Guard to assist local law enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi was appointed to oversee the Metropolitan Police Department, while Terry Cole, the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, will serve as the interim federal commissioner of the department. Trump was flanked by key officials including Bondi, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, all of whom will play instrumental roles in this federal takeover.
During the conference, Bondi made it clear that the administration’s goal is to decisively end crime in D.C. "Let me be crystal clear. Crime in DC is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here," she declared. The president had previously promoted the news conference through several posts on his social media platform, hinting at a broader agenda that includes improving the cleanliness and overall condition of the capital.
Trump's comments on homelessness drew attention when he stated that the homeless "have to move out, IMMEDIATELY," promising to provide them with housing, but "FAR from the Capital." He contrasted this by asserting that criminals would face incarceration, saying, "We're going to put you in jail where you belong." This aggressive approach follows Trump’s recent executive order aimed at making the District of Columbia "Safe and Beautiful," despite recent crime statistics indicating an overall decrease in crime by 7% this year, with violent crime down 26%.
Trump criticized D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, claiming she had failed to manage crime effectively, despite her assertions that violent crime has been driven down to a 30-year low. Bowser responded to Trump's claims, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of local law enforcement and community engagement to combat crime. "It is true that we had a terrible spike in crime in 2023, but this is not 2023, this is 2025, and we've done that by working with the community," she said in an interview.
The announcement of federal intervention comes in light of various high-profile incidents, including a recent attack on a former government employee. Trump’s statement that D.C. has become "one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the World" has raised eyebrows and fueled ongoing discussions about public safety in the capital.
The federal law enforcement initiative, described as a "whole of government approach," will focus on high-traffic tourist areas and other known crime hotspots. A White House official confirmed that personnel from numerous agencies, including the U.S. Park Police, Metro Transit Police Department, and FBI, will be part of the seven-day operation aimed at enhancing public safety.
As the Trump administration embarks on this ambitious plan to reform public safety in Washington, D.C., it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in addressing the concerns of residents and visitors alike. With a heightened focus on crime reduction and city beautification, the administration aims to restore confidence in the capital's safety and livability.
