The nation’s capital is a dump. Everyone can see it.
And now Donald Trump detailed a plan to clean up Washington, DC with mass arrests.
Trump’s Decisive Vow to Revitalize Washington, DC
President Donald Trump outlined a tough strategy on Sunday to tackle the ongoing issues plaguing the nation’s capital, pledging to relocate the homeless population and swiftly incarcerate street criminals. This move emphasizes his commitment to restoring order and allure to the city.
“I’m going to make our Capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before,” Trump vowed on Truth Social, saying: “We want our Capital BACK.”
“The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital.”
“The Criminals, you don’t have to move out. We’re going to put you in jail where you belong. It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border,” he added.
“This will be easier — Be prepared! There will be no ‘MR. NICE GUY.’”
Trump hinted at revealing more details during a press conference scheduled for Monday, building anticipation for his proactive approach.
Outrage Over a Brutal Attack on a Former DOGE Staffer
The announcement follows Trump’s strong reaction to a recent wave of violence in DC, highlighted by the vicious assault on Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old ex-staffer from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), nicknamed “Big B*lls.” The incident occurred around 3 a.m. last Sunday when Coristine, now at the Social Security Administration, tried to stop what appeared to be a carjacking and was beaten by approximately 10 juveniles, as detailed in the police report.
Authorities have arrested at least two suspects, with a $10,000 reward offered for tips leading to the capture of the rest. Trump amplified the story by posting an image of Coristine’s bloodied face from the attack near DuPont Circle, just a short distance from the White House.
In response, Trump declared last Thursday his intention to surge federal law enforcement into DC to curb the escalating crime, a step that many see as essential for protecting residents and visitors alike.
Navigating DC’s Governance and Persistent Crime Challenges
Under the 1973 Home Rule Act, Washington, DC operates with limited self-governance, where the mayor and city council handle certain affairs, but Congress retains oversight and the rare ability to veto local laws. Some Republican leaders have proposed a full federal intervention to effectively address the city’s safety woes.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat and vocal supporter of the capital’s independence, indicated willingness to collaborate with federal forces. “I suspect that his announcement is that he is surging federal law enforcement and he may talk about even larger numbers or longer periods of time,” she told MSNBC’s The Weekend. “He’s interested in being in neighborhoods, fighting crime in neighborhoods.”
“We are not experiencing a crime spike.”
While Bowser has avoided direct confrontation with Trump—having met him at Mar-a-Lago last year to discuss shared aims for a safer, cleaner DC—statistics paint a concerning picture. Violent crime has dropped 26% from last year, h*micides by 12%, and overall crime by 7%, per DC Metropolitan Police data, with a 35% reduction in violent incidents from 2023 to 2024.
Yet, DC still ranks fourth nationally for homicide rates in 2023, according to USA Facts, fueling calls for stronger measures. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller emphasized the urgency last week: “It is our capital city. It is more violent than Baghdad. It is more violent than parts of Ethiopia, than parts of many of the most dangerous places in the world.”
Although comparisons to places like Baghdad remain debated due to unclear data, Trump’s firm stance appears poised to deliver the transformation the capital desperately needs.
