One Attempted Karjaking Washington, injured a Dogi staff member at DC, once again motivated President Trump to push the city government for federal acquisition.
“If DC does not get his work together, and quickly, we will have no option but to take the federal control of the city,” Mr. Trump said in a truth social Post“I am going to fulfill my powers, and make this city federal.”
The episode ruled by Shri Trump’s long -running calls to control the city, citing violent crime and described it as an incompetent leadership. They made a case february And july Along with this year, on the campaign trail,
“We have to run DC,” Mr. Trump Said Wednesday. “It should be the best place in the country, not the worst.”
However, the President alone does not have the right to make the district federal. An Act of Congress will be required to overturn it 1973 Home Rules ActWhich empowered DC residents to choose the members of the council and the mayor who pass and implement their local laws.
The Congress has upheld the right to amend or block DC laws, and did so in 2023 A crime bill was reduced to zero It would have abolished the most mandatory minimum sentences.
Before the Home Rules Act, the President could have done Appoint DC leadersSome Republican members of Congress have Laws introduced This can restore that power, but any cancel will require support of the Senate Democrats, which is unlikely.
Mr. Trump also swims other options on Wednesday, which included DC police handling or bringing them to the National Guard.
Under the Home Rules Act, the President can handle the DC’s Police Department for some time if “special conditions of an emergency nature exist, which requires the use of a metropolitan police force for federal purposes.” But legal experts have Said Such steps may face the challenges of the court without clear justification.
Mr. Trump also orders DC national guard – The only unit in all 54 states and regions that report only to the President.
Crime is less in the capital
Mr. Trump cited public safety to justify the intervention, called the crime “completely out of control” in the district.
“And what is a shame, the rate of crime, the rate of maging, murders and everything else,” said on Wednesday.
data from DC police There have been 186 Karjacking incidents so far this year, but it is 37% below this time in 2024.
After spiking in 2023, violent crime has also been decreasing for the last one and a half years, when the country’s capital Was between Most of the large metro regions in the country.
So far in 2025, dacoits have fallen by 29%, housewives are 12%below, and overall violent crime is below 26%. 6 AugustThis follows a decline in 2024, when violent crime in DC 30 years Low, a broad mirroring Nationwide decline in violent crime Last year.
Crime is not the only local issue, Mr. Trump raised the issue on Wednesday. The President also said that he wants to improve the “cleanliness” of the district.
It comes after being signed by the President executive Order In March, establishing a task force, which the administration addressed the “quality of life” in DC, including homeless and frescoes.
Trump’s history with DC officials
DC Mayor Muril Boussar has not commented on Mr. Trump’s latest comments. During his first term, President collided with Democratic Mayor Protest And public safety.
In 2020, Boussar ordered Painting In the case of a black life on a road in some blocks from the White House, Mr. Trump faced a backlash to his response to the protests on the killing of George Floid by the police. Earlier this year, Boussar allowed Plan to remove the wall.
Mayor Boseer and others Democrat DC has long pushed to the state to give 700,000 Residents Representation of Congress – something that will require legislative and President’s approval. Efforts to make DC the 51st state have faced Republican opposition and have failed to the Congress.
For decadeDC has voted heavy for Democrats in the presidential elections, including more than 90% of the voters there supported Vice President Kamala Harris on Mr. Trump.
