In a surprising announcement, President Trump revealed his plans to patrol the streets of Washington, D.C. alongside local law enforcement and members of the National Guard. This event is set to take place on Thursday night and comes amid a broader anti-crime initiative spearheaded by the Trump administration. The Metropolitan Police Department has reported to CBS News that there have been no homicides in the district for over a week, a notable achievement attributed to the increased presence of federal law enforcement and National Guard personnel in the city.
During an interview with radio host Todd Starnes, President Trump humorously stated, "I'm going to be going out tonight, I'm going to keep it a secret." He added, "I think with the police, and with the military, of course. So we're going to do a job." The President praised the National Guard for their outstanding efforts in maintaining safety in the capital. This visit follows a day after key officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, met with National Guard members stationed at Union Station.
The exact nature of President Trump's outing remains unclear, particularly whether he will engage directly with the public or remain in his motorcade while patrolling. Since the implementation of the anti-crime initiative, the Trump administration has reported a total of 630 arrests and the confiscation of 86 illegal guns, as confirmed by Attorney General Pam Bondi. This initiative marks a significant federal effort to combat crime in D.C., enhancing the presence of law enforcement in the area.
Historically, President Trump has made fewer public appearances in Washington, D.C. compared to his predecessors, often limiting his visits to speeches or trips to his former hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue. In contrast, past presidents have frequently dined at local restaurants, engaging more directly with the community. However, Trump claims that many people he knows feel increasingly safe in the city. "People that haven't gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C. in two years are going out to dinner," he asserted earlier this week, highlighting a perceived return to normalcy.
According to local police data, violent crime in Washington, D.C. has been on a downward trend for the past year and a half following a surge in 2023. As of August 11, statistics show that robberies have decreased by 28%, with overall violent crime down 26%. The Justice Department indicated that last year marked the lowest levels of violent crime in over 30 years in the capital. Despite these statistics, President Trump has criticized D.C. crime reports as "phony numbers," asserting that his administration will investigate the accuracy of these claims.
This patrol by the President, combined with the ongoing federal initiative, underscores a significant moment in the Trump administration's approach to law enforcement in Washington, D.C., as they continue to address public safety concerns and crime rates in the capital.
