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President Trump announced plans to unveil comprehensive measures Monday aimed at addressing crime and disorder in Washington D.C., following his recent threats of a federal takeover of the nation’s capital. The announcement comes after the president deployed federal agents throughout the city to assist local police in combating what he describes as rampant lawlessness.
In a Truth Social post Sunday, Mr. Trump outlined his aggressive approach, stating that homeless individuals must immediately relocate away from the capital to alternative housing, while criminals will face imprisonment. He emphasized there will be “no ’Mr. Nice Guy’” and promised swift action similar to his border enforcement efforts, claiming immigration dropped “from millions pouring in, to zero in the last few months.”
Mr. Trump’s renewed focus on D.C. crime intensified after an attempted carjacking of former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward Coristine near Logan Circle. Two 15-year-olds from Maryland were arrested in connection with the incident, which prompted the president to threaten federal control of the city and potential deployment of the D.C. National Guard.
Sen. Mike Lee of Utah supports the president’s approach, sharing footage of a Saturday night shooting in the Navy Yard neighborhood and calling for an end to D.C.’s Home Rule. Sen. Lee previously introduced the BOWSER Act, targeting Mayor Muriel Bowser and seeking to end the 52-year-old federal Home Rule law that grants D.C. residents local self-governance.
Mayor Bowser responded publicly for the first time Sunday, suggesting President Trump’s announcement will involve surging federal law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of officers understanding local laws and working with community officials and prosecutors. Ms. Bowser noted that while 2023 saw a terrible crime spike, overall crime has decreased significantly in 2025, with violent crime down 26% year-over-year according to police data.
Despite statistical improvements, the District has experienced high-profile attacks on NFL players, Trump Cabinet members and Capitol Hill staff. The administration has already deployed federal agents from the FBI, Secret Service and U.S. Marshals, resulting in arrests for stolen guns and drug offenses during Thursday night patrols.
President Trump also seeks to lower the minimum age for charging juveniles as adults from 16 years old. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro supports tougher juvenile justice measures, arguing that young offenders need accountability rather than rehabilitation programs. In response to recent incidents, Metropolitan Police implemented a juvenile curfew in the Navy Yard neighborhood starting Sunday evening through Wednesday.
Read more: Trump fuels takeover talk with promise of crackdown on District crime
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