On Sunday, August 10, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to address Washington, D.C.’s issues, pledging to relocate homeless individuals from the capital and promptly incarcerate criminals.
“I’m going to make our capital safer and more beautiful than it has ever been,” Trump declared on Truth Social. “We want our capital BACK.”
“The homeless must leave immediately. We will provide accommodations, but far from the capital,” he added. “As for the criminals, you’re not moving out—you’re going straight to jail where you belong. This will happen quickly, just like our actions at the border. In fact, this will be easier—be ready! There will be no ‘Mr. Nice Guy.’”
Trump noted that additional details would be shared during a news conference on Monday.
Trump’s remarks followed the recent assault of former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, widely known as “Big Balls.” The 19-year-old, now employed at the Social Security Administration, was attacked near DuPont Circle by around 10 juveniles while attempting to intervene in a suspected carjacking. Two suspects have been apprehended, and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the others.
Just last week, Trump revealed plans to deploy federal law enforcement throughout Washington, D.C., to tackle crime.
Like many major U.S. cities, D.C. is grappling with widespread homeless encampments. Governed under the 1973 Home Rule Act, the capital maintains a distinctive relationship with the federal government, prompting some Republicans to propose a federal takeover to address public safety concerns.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has said the city will coordinate with federal authorities, stating, “He’s interested in being in neighborhoods, fighting crime in neighborhoods. We are not experiencing a crime spike.”
Despite policy differences, Bowser has worked to preserve relations with Trump, meeting with him last year and privately acknowledging shared goals of making the city safer and cleaner.
According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime has dropped by 26% compared to last year, homicides are down 12%, and overall crime has decreased by 7%. Still, D.C. ranks among the highest in homicide rates nationwide, placing fourth in 2023.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller described the city as “more violent than Baghdad” and certain other dangerous areas, though there is no definitive data to support that comparison.
