Donald Trump stirred controversy on Thursday by falsely claiming that crime in Washington DC is “the worst it’s ever been,” even as the city faces a federal takeover of its police department and the deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents.
“Washington DC is at its worst point,” Trump declared from the Oval Office, before adding, “It will soon be at its best point.” He also accused DC law enforcement of giving out “phony crime stats” and claimed they were “under investigation.”
His remarks came a day after protesters heckled federal law enforcement officers who were stopping dozens of cars at a checkpoint in the city.
According to the Washington Post, about 20 law enforcement officers—some from the Department of Homeland Security—pulled over drivers for minor violations like broken taillights and not wearing seatbelts. NBC News reported that at least one woman was arrested as over 100 protesters gathered, shouting “get off our streets” and warning other drivers to avoid the area.
On Thursday night, attention turned to homeless encampments, a long-time focus of Trump’s criticism. City police began removing residents from these camps, despite warnings from advocates that shelters do not have enough space for everyone.
“This is a chaotic and scary time for all of us in DC, but especially for people without homes,” said Amber W Harding, executive director of the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless.
Nearly 800 National Guard troops have arrived in Washington DC this week, with about 200 deployed at any given time to support federal and local police. The White House says more than 100 arrests have been made since Trump announced the federal takeover on Monday. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported 74 arrests on Wednesday and a total of 217 arrests since Monday.
In a major shift, the MPD chief issued an executive order on Thursday allowing officers to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about undocumented immigrants found during traffic stops—something previously prohibited unless they were charged with a crime. Trump called the change a “great step,” refusing to confirm whether he pressured the department.
Later that evening, Attorney General Pam Bondi named Terry Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as Washington’s new “emergency police commissioner.” This move means MPD must now seek Cole’s approval before issuing orders. It’s unclear how this affects Pamela Smith, the city’s current police chief.
Under the Home Rule Act of 1973, the president can take control of DC’s police force for 30 days for “federal purposes.” Trump has suggested he wants to extend that period, which would require Congressional approval.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer made it clear on Wednesday his party will oppose any extension. “No fing way,*” Schumer said in a podcast interview. “We’ll fight him tooth and nail.”
If Congress refuses, Trump has hinted at declaring a national emergency to extend control without approval.
While Trump paints the US capital as crime-ridden, the facts tell a different story—violent crime in DC actually hit a 30-year low in 2024 after a spike in 2023.
“We don’t live in a dirty city,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser, rejecting Trump’s portrayal. “We are not 700,000 scumbags and punks. We don’t have neighborhoods that should be bulldozed.”
Phil Mendelson, chair of the DC City Council, said that despite the political drama, cooperation between law enforcement agencies had been constructive. “Extra resources can help, but the president’s portrayal of DC as a cesspool is false and damaging,” he warned.