Trump's federal crackdown in D.C. ramps up — despite falling crime
Why it matters: Trump's messaging — that D.C. crime is " totally out of control" — is fueling threats of federal takeover, tougher enforcement on federal land, and a spike in arrests for nonviolent offenses.
Driving the news: Trump on Tuesday threatened to federalize D.C. following an alleged unarmed carjacking attempt near Logan Circle and beating of a former DOGE staffer.
MPD arrested two teens in connection to the carjacking.
Trump called for minors as young as 14 to be tried as adults in D.C., blaming lax detention laws for violent mayhem.
By the numbers: Crime is down year-to-date compared to 2024, according to MPD's tracker:
Violent crime: ⬇️ 26%
All crime: ⬇️ 7%
Robbery: ⬇️ 29%
Homicide: ⬇️ 12%
Aggravated assault: ⬇️ 20%
Sexual abuse: ⬇️ 48%
Reality check: Though homicides are down, the drop isn't a disappearance. A total of 98 homicides have occurred in D.C. this year — and homicides have been trending higher than a decade ago.
Between the lines: Youth crime remains a hot-button issue. In response, the city launched a new MPD juvenile unit in April, and extended youth curfews this summer.
They also lengthened pre-trial detention for minors in a 2023 public safety bill.
Zoom in: Metro Transit Police arrests and citations are up 33% through July compared to last year, the Washington Post reports.
Reported crimes on WMATA property are down 38%.
Meanwhile, nonviolent arrests are spiking under Trump's " D.C. Safe and Beautiful" executive order, which created a multi-agency task force in March to crack down on crime, homeless encampments, and graffiti.
Federal oversight is growing:
U.S. Park Police increased arrests by 37% during the first half of this year, a White House official told the Post — 806 arrests from January to June, up from 589 in the same period last year.
That includes misdemeanors like alcohol or marijuana use — more harshly punished on federal land. Nearly 90% of parks are government-controlled in D.C.
Friction point: There's a tug-of-war for credit. The White House is praising itself for falling crime rates.
An MPD official told the Post it's due to " hard work and dedication" of local cops — not federal intervention.
Mayor Bowser played Switzerland, saying the federal crackdown lets MPD focus on driving down neighborhood crime.
What we're watching: Whether the federal crackdown escalates now that crime has hit close to home at 1600 Pennsylvania.
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