Trump Tells Democrats to Change Their Minds About Crime in D.C.

Donald Trump, the former president, has stepped up his attacks on Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C., telling them to “change their ways” after he took over the Metropolitan Police Department from the federal government. The plan, which sends hundreds of National Guard personnel to the capital, has led to a heated political argument about crime rates and public safety.

Trump said from the Oval Office on Thursday that he still thinks the city’s crime situation is much worse than officials are ready to admit. He said that a lot of people, including Democrats, have contacted him to thank him for his help and said they immediately feel safer. Trump told reporters, “Half of the people here are scared to go outside.” “It’s time to change your ways if you’re a Democrat in this city.”

Trump’s Federal Takeover of the Police in D.C.

Earlier this week, Trump said that his administration will take over the Metropolitan Police Department for a short time, as allowed by the city’s “Home Rule Act.” The president can do this for up to 30 days without getting permission from Congress. Trump also said he would ask Congress for a long-term extension, which would need agreement from both parties.

National Guard troops have already been sent to important sites in the district. This is one of the biggest federal actions in D.C. law enforcement in decades. Trump has said that this move may be taken in other cities, listing New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Oakland, and Chicago as possible targets for similar actions.

A Big Difference Between Data and Perception

The main issue in the disagreement is the difference between official crime statistics and what people think. City officials said that new numbers from the Metropolitan Police Department show that crime in Washington, D.C., has gone down by 26% over last year. This drop includes big drops in burglaries, robberies, murders, and sexual abuse. Earlier this year, federal data showed that violent crime in the capital was at its lowest level in 30 years.

But Trump has completely disregarded these data, saying that local leaders are “fudging the numbers” to make the crisis seem less serious. He remarked, “They’re giving us fake crime stats, just like they did in the financial world.” The former president says that the truth on the streets is different. He says the city is “at its worst point” but that it will “soon be at its best point” under his leadership.

Crime Patterns in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., had the most murders since the late 1990s in 2023, while the number of recorded carjackings almost doubled. Even though those figures have gone down a lot since then, a Washington Post poll from last year indicated that 65% of locals still think crime is an “extremely serious” or “very serious” concern. This is up from 56% the year before.

This difference between crime figures and what people think has caused political friction. Trump supporters believe people need action to feel safe again, while opponents argue his description of “total lawlessness” misses the last year’s progress.

Political Effects and Next Steps

Democratic senators slammed the declaration, saying Trump is exaggerating the problem for political gain. Some say the federal government taking over local police sets a negative example for other U.S. municipalities.

Trump appears intent on extending the federal presence in the capital beyond Congress’ 30 days, despite opposition. His administration is anticipated to formally request a longer-term pact in the coming weeks. This will spark a political battle over federal control over local police.

Sources:

• Metropolitan Police Department Crime Data
• Washington Post Polling Data
• Statements from the Office of the President