Trump Addresses Crime and Homelessness in D.C.
President Donald Trump mentioned that homeless individuals have a designated place to go “far from the capital” and pledged that violent offenses in Washington, D.C. will be actively prosecuted, as he stated in two posts on Truth Social.
Edward Coristine, a staff member from the Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was recognized for his intervention to prevent a carjacking in the area. Trump is set to hold a press conference focused on the security issues in the capital, announcing a notable increase in federal law enforcement presence in D.C. later that week.
“We’re having a press conference at the White House tomorrow. Our aim is to make the capital safer and more beautiful than ever. Homeless individuals need to leave immediately,” Trump stated. “We’ll provide you a place to stay, but it will be away from the capital. As for criminals, you can stay, but we’re putting you where you belong—behind bars. This needs to happen quickly. We’ve invested millions recently, and we’re looking to restore our capital.”
Crime in D.C. has become a pressing issue, especially after the recent shooting death of Eric Tarpinian Yachim, an intern for Kansas Republican Rep. Ron Estes, on June 30. In addition, two employees of the Israeli embassy lost their lives in a shooting incident in May. Minnesota Democrat Angie Craig was also assaulted earlier this year.
Trump suggested the idea of a federal takeover of D.C. following Coristine’s injury. He clarified that the upcoming press conference would cover more than just crime, saying, “The press conference is scheduled for tomorrow at 10 am EST in the press room. It will not only address crime, murder, and chaos in the capital but will also touch on cleanliness and renovation of this once beautiful city.” He expressed frustrations about financial waste when discussing renovations, highlighting that improvements could have been achieved more efficiently.
“D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser is a decent person trying to do her best, but the crime rates keep rising, and the city is becoming less appealing,” Trump remarked. “Americans can’t overlook this any longer. Just as we focused on the border last month, where we drastically reduced illegal crossings, we will also take care of D.C.”
The U.S. Constitution allows Congress to govern the nation’s capital, though the 1973 “Home Rule” Act provides some autonomy to the District’s council.
