President Trump announced that Washington, D.C., will soon become “one of the safest” cities in the world as his administration launches a new federal crackdown on violent crime in the capital. In a Truth Social post Saturday, Trump revealed that a White House press conference scheduled for Monday will outline his plan to address rising violence. “It has become one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the World,” he wrote. “It will soon be one of the safest!!!”
The announcement follows a Thursday statement from the White House confirming that federal law enforcement officers will be deployed in greater numbers throughout D.C. “Washington, D.C. is an amazing city, but it has been plagued by violent crime for far too long,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “President Trump has directed an increased presence of federal law enforcement to protect innocent citizens.”
Several federal agencies are involved in the initiative, including the U.S. Capitol Police, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Protective Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The joint operation is currently scheduled to last for one week, though the Washington Times reported that the deployment could be extended depending on results. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration over D.C.’s crime rates and has floated the idea of federalizing control of the city, which would require repealing the 1973 Home Rule Act.
In addition, Trump addressed the recent violent mugging of government efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, calling for teenagers 14 and older who commit crimes to be prosecuted as adults. He cited the case as an example of why tougher penalties are necessary to restore law and order.