Donald Trump has falsely claimed that crime in Washington DC is “the worst it’s ever been” as federal agents and National Guard troops deploy in the city. The president’s comments came as homeless encampments were cleared and protesters heckled officers conducting traffic stops.
Trump made the assertion from the Oval Office, adding that the city “will soon be at its best point”. He also baselessly accused local law enforcement of providing “phony crime stats” and claimed they were under investigation. Violent crime in DC hit a 30-year low in 2024 after a spike the previous year.
The federal operation began after Trump announced a takeover of the city’s police department on Monday. Nearly 800 National Guard troops have arrived, with about 200 on the streets at a time. The Metropolitan Police Department said it made 217 arrests since Monday, including 74 on Wednesday. The White House reported over 100 arrests since the takeover was announced.
On Wednesday night, federal law enforcement officers stopped dozens of cars along a busy street, pulling over drivers for minor infractions such as broken taillights. More than 100 protesters gathered, shouting “get off our streets” and warning drivers to avoid the area. At least one woman was arrested.
City police began removing residents from homeless encampments on Thursday. Advocates warned that shelter space is insufficient. Amber W Harding, executive director of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, called the situation “chaotic and scary” for people without homes.
The attorney general, Pam Bondi, appointed Terry Cole as Washington’s “emergency police commissioner”, increasing national control. The city’s police chief must now receive approval from Cole before issuing orders. Democratic leaders, including Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, have vowed to oppose any extension of the takeover beyond 30 days. Schumer said, “We’ll fight him tooth and nail.”
