Trump’s Federal Control of DC Police Sparks Controversy
Janine Pirro, a lawyer based in Washington, D.C., expressed her view that President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily place DC police under federal control and to activate the National Guard is a significant first step in addressing crime. On “Hannity,” she emphasized the need to rally law-abiding citizens not just in D.C. but across the entire nation, describing the situation as “out of control.”
“This is supposed to be the shining city on a hill that our ancestors envisioned,” Pirro remarked. “Yet, it’s become an incredibly violent area.” She was present alongside Trump and other administration officials during his briefing where these changes were announced.
In response to Trump’s plans, several top Democrats took to social media, criticizing his approach and labeling him as a “massive liar” regarding his strategy to combat crime in D.C.
Trump later elaborated on his vision through a social media post, suggesting he wants to transform the federal district into one of the world’s safest cities. He also noted that he believes young teenagers—specifically those aged 14—should be treated as adults in terms of prosecution.
Complicating matters, reports emerged about an attack on a former employee, Edward Coristine, alleged to have been assaulted during an attempted carjacking. Authorities indicated that two 15-year-olds were arrested in connection with unarmed carjacking charges stemming from this incident.
Pirro commented that the juvenile justice system in D.C. tends to focus more on rehabilitation than holding young offenders accountable. “We have a situation where young criminals act with impunity,” she said. “These gangs, or crews, are aware that if they are 14, 15, 16, or even 17, they can evade severe punishment unless they commit a grave crime like murder or armed robbery.” She added, “Without the ability to impose real consequences, they’re essentially mocking our efforts.”
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, recent statistics show a 7% decline in overall crime and a 26% decline in violent crime in Washington, D.C. compared to the same timeframe last year. Mayor Muriel Bowser highlighted this downward trend, noting that violent crime is at its lowest in three decades, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset.
While referring to the National Guard’s deployment as both “unstable and unprecedented,” Bowser affirmed her commitment to collaborating with federal officials to ensure the safety of D.C. residents.
