In a post, Trump declared that the city is now “SAFE AGAIN,” crediting the National Guard and federal police presence for the turnaround. But the celebration quickly turned into a warning.
Trump accused Bowser of spreading “false and highly inaccurate crime figures” and warned that “bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City” if she doesn’t stop.
This threat comes just weeks after the Trump administration initiated a controversial federal crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital. Under an emergency directive, the Department of Justice took partial control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Hundreds of National Guard troops—many from GOP-led states—are now stationed across key parts of the city.
Despite Trump’s claims, the Justice Department recently reported that violent crime in D.C. has hit a 30-year low. But that hasn’t stopped federal investigators from launching a probe into the city’s crime reporting practices. One police commander has already been suspended as officials examine possible data manipulation.
Trump, during a visit to a U.S. Park Police center in Anacostia, praised the changes, saying, “It’s like a different place, different city.” He hinted that even more sweeping changes are coming.
Mayor Bowser isn’t backing down. She’s pushed back against the takeover, defending the city’s progress and calling out what she sees as political theater. Bowser has also been fighting to block Trump’s attempt to install a handpicked emergency police commissioner.
So while Trump says D.C. is “safe again,” he’s still making moves to expand his grip on the city—putting Bowser and the entire capital on notice.
