On Monday, President Trump held a press conference at the White House where he outlined his approach to addressing violence and crime in Washington, D.C. He emphasized a firm stance, declaring there would be no “Mr. Nice Guy.”
“Our goal is to enhance the safety and beauty of our capital. We must have the homeless leave immediately,” he stated.
“As for criminals, you won’t need to relocate. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong. This will be a swift process, almost like managing the border,” he added.
Trump mentioned a drastic reduction in resources allocated to the city, saying they’ve shifted from millions to zero in recent months. “This will be straightforward—prepare yourselves! We’re taking back our capital. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he continued.
Last week, he directed federal law enforcement to increase patrols in Washington for a week. This initiative includes officers and agents from various agencies like the U.S. Parks Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, and ICE.
Previously, Trump has suggested a significant federal restructuring of the city, pending Congressional approval.
Earlier this year, he signed an executive order to establish a task force aimed at making D.C. “safe and beautiful,” ensuring federal participation.
“Washington D.C. is unique as it belongs to all Americans. As the capital of our remarkable country, we must showcase clean, beautiful, and safe public spaces,” the order expressed.
He also instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgham to ensure that all homeless individuals are removed from the capital.
Calls for federalizing D.C. governance intensified following the arrest of two 15-year-olds last week linked to an attempted carjacking of a former government official.
Trump argued for legislative changes to treat teenagers aged 14 and above as adults, criticizing the crime statistics involving young individuals.
“Washington D.C. is a remarkable city; however, it has suffered from violent crime for far too long. President Trump has mandated a stronger federal law enforcement presence to protect law-abiding citizens. There will be no sanctuary for violent criminals in D.C. tonight,” he asserted.
According to data, crime in D.C. dropped by 35% in 2024, marking the lowest levels seen in decades.
Trump’s statements echoed sentiments he had expressed the previous day.
