Trump Orders Federal Crackdown as DC Crime Claims Spark Disputes

President Donald Trump announced that he is placing the Washington D.C. police department under federal control and deploying the National Guard in an effort to crack down on crime in the district, citing concerns about rising criminal activity. While Trump also criticized cities like Oakland and Baltimore for crime, official data contradict his claims, showing crime rates in Washington D.C. and Oakland have significantly declined recently, with Oakland reporting a 28% drop in overall crime in the first half of 2025. However, some sources allege that crime data in D.C. has been manipulated by police supervisors, leading to skepticism about the reported decreases. Trump's announcement has drawn polarized reactions, with supporters praising his tough stance on crime, while critics accuse him of alarmism and politicizing crime statistics. The debate over crime rates and law enforcement in D.C. reflects broader partisan tensions as the 2025 midterm elections approach, with Democrats and media generally pushing back against Trump's narrative. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges in addressing urban crime and differing interpretations of crime data.