President Trump Plans Washington D.C. Crime Crackdown

President Donald Trump has announced a forthcoming press conference aimed at addressing violent crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C., pledging to make the capital safer and more attractive by relocating homeless individuals far from the city and prosecuting violent criminals aggressively. Despite Trump's depiction of D.C. as one of the most dangerous cities globally, official crime statistics show a significant decline in violent crimes, including homicides and assaults, with rates at their lowest in over 30 years according to federal and local data. Trump has criticized local governance, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, and hinted at possible federal takeover measures, including federalizing the D.C. police and changing laws to prosecute minors as adults starting at age 14. The Trump administration has already increased the federal law enforcement presence in the city as a step toward combating crime. Local officials, including Mayor Bowser, dispute Trump's characterization of the crime situation, emphasizing community and federal collaboration to reduce crime since the spike in 2023. The upcoming White House news conference is expected to elaborate on these initiatives, reflecting Trump's intent to reassert federal control to restore safety and order in the capital.