The Trump admin has been cracking down on violent crime in the Capitol. But it can’t be everywhere.
And a tragedy struck Washington, D.C. that has the Trump White House sick to its stomach.
Washington, D.C. Record Of No Homicides Broken At 12 Days
President Donald J. Trump has taken decisive action to reclaim Washington, D.C., from the grip of violent crime, delivering results that have stunned critics and brought hope to a city long plagued by lawlessness. President Trump invoked the Home Rule Act to assume federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and deployed 800 National Guard troops to the streets, signaling a no-nonsense approach to restoring order. This historic move, coupled with the “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” task force launched in March, has already produced measurable outcomes, with crime rates plummeting and residents breathing a sigh of relief.
Tragically, the city was reminded of the stakes early Tuesday when a man was k*lled in Southeast Washington, marking the first apparent homicide in 12 days. According to the MPD, officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 12:25 a.m., finding a man “unconscious and breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound.” Despite heroic efforts, the man was transported to a local hospital, “where after all lifesaving measures failed, he was pronounced dead,” MPD said.
This loss of life is a somber reminder of why strong leadership is needed, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and community during this difficult time. Yet, even in the face of this tragedy, the progress under Trump’s leadership cannot be ignored. The White House has touted preliminary police data showing no homicides reported since August 14, a remarkable achievement in a city that saw 274 m*rders in 2023. Since Trump’s takeover on August 11, only two k*llings have been reported: one on August 11 and one on August 13.
This is a stark contrast to the chaos of previous years, when D.C.’s m*rder rate soared to 39 per 100,000 in 2023, higher than many global cities like Bogotá or Mexico City. Trump’s policies are proving that decisive action can turn the tide.
According to MPD data, violent crime in D.C. has dropped 26% in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Homicides are down 11%, with 101 reported this year compared to 118 last year. Robberies have fallen 28%, and carjackings, a persistent issue, are down significantly from their 2023 peak of 607 incidents. The Trump administration’s multi-agency operation, involving 1,800 personnel, has netted over 380 arrests, including 160 illegal immigrants, and seized 59 firearms in just 11 days.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) rightfully praised Trump’s efforts, stating on Monday, “There are MANY reasons why President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize – but 11 straight days with ZERO m*rders in Washington, D.C. might top the list. SAFER streets. STRONGER communities. AMERICA IS BACK!”
Trump’s crackdown didn’t stop at policing. His administration has targeted the root causes of urban decay, including homelessness, which he vowed to address to restore D.C.’s status as a world-class capital. Federal teams have cleared 25 homeless encampments without incident, aiming to clean up the “squalor” that Trump decried. While critics like Mayor Muriel Bowser claim homelessness is down, the reality on the ground—tents and disorder in public spaces—tells a different story. Trump’s vision is clear: a capital city that reflects America’s strength, not its decline.
The federal takeover, authorized under the Home Rule Act, places the MPD under the command of Attorney General Pam Bondi for up to 30 days, with Trump signaling intentions to seek Congressional approval for an extension. This bold move has drawn criticism from local Democrats, who argue it infringes on D.C.’s autonomy. Bowser, for instance, called the action “unsettling” and claimed crime was already at a 30-year low. But her administration’s soft-on-crime policies, like cashless bail, contributed to the 2023 spike, when homicides hit a 20-year high. Trump’s intervention is a necessary correction.
The results are undeniable. Posts on X from the White House highlight the “Trump Effect,” noting a 46% drop in robberies, an 83% drop in carjackings, and a 22% drop in violent crime since the takeover. One user shared, “First time at Union Station this morning since Trump’s crime crackdown and there wasn’t a single crazy person screaming, vagrant or person doing drugs. Instead, lots of families visiting…” This is the kind of change Americans have been demanding—a return to safety and normalcy.
“In the past 11 days, no black person has been unalived in Washington DC since President Trump federalized the DC Metro Police. So if “Black Lives Matter”, why haven’t black Democrats celebrated this?”
Great question!! 🔥👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/lpHJb4uub0
— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) August 25, 2025
Trump’s strategy involves more than just boots on the ground. On August 25, he signed an executive order directing the National Park Service to hire additional U.S. Park Police officers and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring in more prosecutors focused on violent and property crimes. An online portal was also established to recruit Americans with law enforcement experience to bolster federal efforts.
Critics, predictably, have cried foul. D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb called the takeover “unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” ignoring the Home Rule Act’s clear provision allowing presidential control during emergencies. Others, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, accused Trump of violating the Constitution. But these complaints ring hollow when you consider the data: D.C.’s m*rder rate, while down from 2023, remains higher than many global capitals, and residents still fear carjackings and youth violence.
The administration’s focus on youth crime is particularly noteworthy. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro highlighted the issue, saying, “We’re seeing far too much crime being committed by young people—14, 15, 16, 17 years old—that I can’t get my hands on… They need to be held accountable…” A citywide curfew for those under 17, in place since July 2025, has helped, with juvenile arrests down 20% from last year. But Trump’s team knows more must be done to stop “roving mobs of wild youth” from terrorizing communities.
The contrast with the previous administration couldn’t be clearer. While Democrats pushed “defund the police” and other failed policies, Trump has empowered law enforcement to do their jobs. The D.C. Police Union, fed up with “chronic mismanagement” and staffing shortages, has endorsed the takeover, stating, “The union agrees that crime is spiraling out of control, and immediate action is necessary to restore public safety.”
Public sentiment is shifting, too. A White House post on X noted that 54% of D.C.’s registered voters believe Trump’s actions are justified. Residents are tired of living in fear, and they see Trump’s leadership as a breath of fresh air. One X user remarked, “Obviously, D.C. has a terrible crime problem. The Department of Justice statistics back it up… Let’s free Washington, D.C. from one of the highest m*rder rates in the entire world.”
Still, the tragic loss of life on Tuesday goes to show that the fight is far from over. Every death is a reminder of the human cost of crime, and Trump’s administration is committed to ensuring such incidents become rarer. By targeting the “power few” who drive most violent crime, as suggested by crime analyst Jeff Asher, and focusing on high-crime areas, Trump is laying the groundwork for lasting change.
