Donald Trump Promises to 'Liberate' Washington, D.C.
In a bold proclamation on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump declared that Washington, D.C. “will be LIBERATED today.” Anticipating his press conference scheduled to take place shortly, Trump asserted that “crime, savagery, filth, and scum will disappear” from the nation’s capital. He emphasized his commitment to “MAKE OUR CAPITAL GREAT AGAIN!” and proclaimed, “The days of ruthlessly killing or hurting innocent people are OVER!” Additionally, Trump pointed out his success at the border, claiming a significant decrease in illegal immigration with “ZERO ILLEGALS in last 3 months!” He positioned D.C. as the next area needing his attention. Notably, a report by the Justice Department revealed that the violent crime rate in D.C. had dropped to a 30-year low in 2024, down 35% compared to 2023.
In a recent interview with MSNBC, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, countered Trump’s assertions, stating that while the city did experience a significant crime spike in 2023, the current situation is markedly different. “This is not 2023; this is 2025,” Bowser remarked, indicating a substantial improvement in public safety. She expressed concern regarding the potential deployment of the National Guard within the city, asserting that they are “not law enforcement officials” and that using them in such a capacity might not be the most effective approach.
According to reports from reputable sources like the New York Times and the Washington Post, the Trump administration is planning to reassign FBI agents to assist with night patrols in D.C. These agents are expected to be pulled from their regular duties to bolster local law enforcement as they tackle rising street crime.
In addition to these measures, a federal trial concerning Trump's use of the National Guard is set to unfold today. The case will explore whether the Trump administration breached the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th-century law that limits the use of military forces for domestic law enforcement. This trial could set a crucial precedent for how future administrations federalize the National Guard.
As the press conference approaches, Trump has indicated that his address will focus not only on reducing violent crime in D.C. but also on improving the overall cleanliness of the city. He stated, “The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY,” emphasizing a push for immediate action to address homelessness alongside crime. This stance has sparked discussions about the potential implications for local governance and autonomy.
Trump's remarks have ignited a wave of political backlash. Critics have pointed out that his comparison of D.C. to conflict zones, as made by aides like Stephen Miller, is exaggerated and misleading. Mayor Bowser firmly rejected such characterizations, calling them “hyperbolic and false.”
The ongoing debate surrounding crime in D.C. continues to unfold against a backdrop of varying statistics. Despite the drop in violent crime, gun violence remains a pressing issue, with D.C. recording one of the highest gun homicide rates among major U.S. cities in recent years.
As Trump prepares for his press conference, the conversation surrounding crime and governance in Washington, D.C., remains highly charged. With contrasting narratives from local officials and the Trump administration, the upcoming measures and their implications for the city’s future are sure to be closely monitored by both supporters and critics alike.
