On Monday, House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump’s decision to take command of law enforcement in Washington, D.C., arguing that such a drastic measure isn’t warranted given the drop in crime rates.
“Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at its lowest in 30 years,” Jeffries stated. “Donald Trump has no justification for taking over the local police department, and he lacks credibility on law and order issues.”
“Get lost.”
Jeffries, known for frequently opposing the president, pointed out Trump’s own legal troubles, mentioning his prior conviction on 34 felony counts linked to hush money payments to adult film stars, along with the more than 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots.
Trump has long criticized D.C.’s local government, blaming it for rising crime during the COVID-19 pandemic. His announcement on Monday included plans to take over the D.C. police force and deploy 800 National Guard members to the streets of the city.
“Our capital is being overrun by violent gangs, ruthless criminals, rowdy youth, drug users, and homeless individuals. We’re not going to accept that.”
Trump’s portrayal of crime in D.C. contradicts findings from the Department of Justice, which reported that violent crime in the area has reached its lowest levels in over three decades.
Jeffries wasn’t alone in his concerns on Monday. Numerous Democrats, both on Capitol Hill and beyond, condemned Trump’s actions as an alarming grab for power that seeks to undermine political opponents and silence dissent.
“Trump’s blatant, authoritarian approach in D.C. reflects the broader crisis facing the nation. He is acting like a dictator in our capital, rehearsing tactics that threaten democracy,” remarked Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).
“This assault on freedom is precisely why we fought for the state of D.C. and why D.C. needs National Guard oversight.”
