In a climate-defying and fireworks-flying move, former President Donald Trump just commandeered Washington DC’s Metropolitan Police Department. This administrative move has sparked a firestorm of controversy and debate from coast to coast. This move comes on the heels of a historic homicide spike in the nation’s capital. As of fall 2023, the city was on track to experience more murders than any full year since 1997. In 2017, Trump denounced Washington DC as “one of the most dangerous cities in all of America.” He made eerie comparisons to other cities with significant high crime rates, such as Bogotá and Mexico City.
National data tell us a different story. Washington DC saw big declines in those rates and in violent crime overall, winning kudos for reaching a 30-year low violent crime rate. Last week, the Metropolitan Police Department announced a stunning 26% violent crime reduction this year. This decline marks a welcome change from the pandemic-fueled surges that characterized recent years. The city is still among the top five, by percentage of their population, for homicide rates among major population centers. Today, it has the highest levels of violence, compared to its peak in 1991, which is when it was crowned in the headlines as murder capital of the United States.
Where 1991 had a jaw-dropping 482 murders, the overall number fell sharply to 187 by last year. If current projections hold, this year’s figures will be even lower. The drop in violent crime has gone hand in hand with a reduction in homelessness, and recent point-in-time counts indicate dramatic shifts since 2024.
Yet contrary to expectations, Trump’s move has received the most stinging rebuke from…mayors. He made the unfortunate announcement that in response to civil unrest, he was going to federalize the police. He ballyhooed it as “a historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor and worse.” His announcement featured a demand for homeless people to leave encampments, which he said were safety threats.
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY” – Donald Trump
Critics have condemned Trump’s rhetoric and tactics. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the Delegate who represents DC in Congress, called the federalization attempt an “epic attack on DC home rule.” She made the case that this move subverts local democracy. She described the House version as a deeply counterproductive and escalatory seizure of DC’s resources. These actions further her agenda against the wishes of DC residents and demonstrate her immediate call for DC statehood.
Civil rights icon Al Sharpton joined the fray, noting the racism inherent in Trump’s statements on crime and most dangerous city. He stated, “Let’s call the inspiration for this assault on a majority Black city for what it is: another bid to distract his angry, frustrated base over his administration’s handling of the Epstein files.”
Proponents of all of Trump’s actions claim that they are needed to improve public safety. White House adviser and vociferous “tough on crime” policy maker Pete Hegseth previously touted the plan, arguing that the new measures would deliver tough, hard-hitting law enforcement. They will be smart, they will be strategic, they will be tough and they will stand shoulder to shoulder with their law enforcement partners,” he declared.
Even with assurances that more safety improvements are coming, thousands of residents are still unconvinced that Trump’s method on the street will make it any safer. Ken Martin criticized the former president’s motivations, accusing him of using service members and law enforcement for political gain rather than genuinely caring about public safety. Put simply, Trump is once again using service members and federal law enforcement officials as political pawns. “We all know that Trump doesn’t care one bit about protecting the people who live in DC,” said Martin.
According to Trump, Washington DC’s crime rate is through the roof. The reality is, the numbers are significantly lower than expected. It paints a surprisingly positive picture for local residents. The city has taken major steps forward in their efforts to reduce violent crime and create a more safe and welcoming environment. While statistics indicate that both violent crime and homelessness rates have decreased, many locals tell us they’re still keeping their fingers crossed for lasting success.
“That’s the only language they [alleged criminals] understand. They like to spit in the face of the police. You spit, and we hit, and they get hit real hard.” – Donald Trump
Trump knows that dramatic action is necessary to take back control of Washington DC. Countless community and local government leaders contend that being more cooperative and bringing social services to the table is much more effective.