Trump Threatens Federal Control in D.C. Over Rising Crime
President Donald Trump has expressed intentions to take “federal control” of Washington, D.C., along with advocating for changes in local laws to allow for minors to be prosecuted as adults, unless the city adequately addresses the crime situation.
In a recent post on social media, Trump stated that crime in the capital is “completely out of control.” He highlighted the involvement of young people, some as young as 14 to 16 years old, in violent acts, asserting that these minors often attack innocent individuals, confident they will be released quickly.
“They know there are no consequences for their actions, so they don’t fear law enforcement. But that’s going to change!” Trump proclaimed in his post. He insisted that D.C. laws should be amended to hold minors accountable and that those as young as 14 should face serious penalties. He referred to a recent incident in which a victim was brutally attacked by local gangs.
“Washington, D.C. must be safe, clean, and inviting, not just for Americans, but for the world to see,” Trump emphasized. He warned that if the city does not take immediate action, the federal government would step in to administer the city and its operations, asserting that criminals would no longer be tolerated.
In a press conference, Trump mentioned that someone associated with the government efficiency initiative was “seriously injured.” He elaborated on the attack, mentioning a young man who was assaulted in D.C. and suggesting that the federal government needed to intervene to ensure better protection and law enforcement.
Previously, at a cabinet meeting, Trump had hinted at the possibility of a federal takeover of D.C. as a meaningful step to reduce crime. In February 2025, Senators Mike Lee and Andy Ogles proposed the “Safety to Washington Surveillance and All Residents (Bowser) Act,” addressing the same concerns about safety and control in the capital.
Elon Musk recently weighed in on the issue, recounting an incident where a group of about 12 young men attempted to assault a woman in her vehicle. He shared that members of the Doge team intervened, only to suffer serious injuries, including concussions, in the process. Musk called for urgent federal oversight of D.C. to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Trump had also previously mentioned the need to take control of D.C. to restore law and order, suggesting strong governance as a means to reduce violence. “We can do better,” he stated. “D.C. has a capable police force that just isn’t being properly utilized. We need to take action.”
