A well-known influencer from Washington, DC took to social media on Tuesday to rally locals in an effort to protect the city’s image. However, the campaign quickly devolved as responses flooded in detailing crime and safety issues.
On Monday, President Donald Trump authorized the National Guard in D.C. and assumed control over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in order to “reestablish law, order, and security.” An account named Washington Issues, noted for sharing memes and local news, shared a post aiming to counter what residents feel is a “negative narrative” about the nation’s capital.
Just a DC, push back to a negative story about our city. Share why you love our beautiful home and help us show the world a real DC. #ThereAldc
– Washington Issues (@washprobs) August 11, 2025
Instead of inspiring support, the replies flooded in with harsh personal anecdotes regarding crime and public safety. For example, Grayson Key, a former editor, shared a story about being assaulted on the metro after asking someone to turn down music coming from their phone.
It was really cool when the guy slammed me into my head on me on the metro after I asked him to stop blowing up music through the phone speaker.
And then there was a time when Bam vomited to me for no reason.
– gs quay (@hemingquay) August 12, 2025
Commentator Sarahselip remarked that “The Real DC” involves carrying pepper spray constantly, avoiding headphones at night, and even taking off engagement rings while walking dogs.
As a woman #ThereAldc It means carrying day and night pepper spray.
I haven’t worn headphones since it got dark.
Remove the engagement ring when walking your dog.
– Sarahselip (@sarahselip) August 12, 2025
Many users responded, challenging how residents can claim to love the city while ignoring its problems. They expressed concerns about the ongoing crime and squalor, noting that acknowledging these struggles does not equate to negativity.
It’s a beautiful city, but it’s not negative to admit that crime is out of control
-Alie (@Allie__Voss) August 12, 2025
I’m too busy watching updated footage of ramp-stopping crime and filth.
– Tony Kinnet (@thetonus) August 12, 2025
How can you love your city if you refuse to help her get better?
– Christopher Bernard (@ChrisBarnardl) August 12, 2025
Mainstream media reports reflect MPD’s statement that violent crime rates in D.C. have fallen by 35% since 2024. However, other sources, including FBI data, paint a different picture. On Tuesday, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt commented that law enforcement officials had arrested 23 individuals on the first night of Trump’s new intervention, addressing various crimes like murder and drug trafficking.
FBI statistics indicate that violent crime has seen a 10% drop since 2024, although it’s slightly above 2018 levels. The MPD’s definition of violent crimes differs from the FBI’s, only counting specific offenses like murder and robbery. In May, an internal investigation began regarding possible manipulation of crime statistics by the police chief. The DC Police Union accused the department in July of providing exaggerated figures concerning the reduction in violent crime.
A gang-related shooting in June resulted in the death of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Yachim near a metro station. His mother stated that Trump’s recent initiatives meant her son “didn’t die in vain.” Additionally, two Israeli officials were killed outside a museum in the capital, leading to serious charges against a suspect in that case.
