Trump Threatens Federal Takeover of Washington D.C., Citing Uncontrolled Crime and Violence

In a Tuesday press briefing, President Donald Trump renewed his call for federal intervention in Washington D.C., following an incident of attempted carjacking that left a former Department of Government Efficiency employee injured.

“A young man was severely assaulted by a group of thugs in DC. If the city’s authorities fail to address this issue promptly, we may need to federalize and take control of the city,” Trump told reporters.

According to a police report obtained by CNN affiliate WUSA, Edward Coristine, a former employee known online as “Big Balls”, along with another individual, were assaulted during an attempted carjacking on Sunday. A group of around 10 juveniles surrounded Coristine’s vehicle and attacked him. When police arrived, the assailants fled.

Two 15-year-olds have been arrested and charged with Unarmed Carjacking, as per DC police.

Coristine, who was earlier this year selected for a comprehensive overhaul of the US government through DOGE, served as a “senior advisor” with access to various departments including Homeland Security, FEMA, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Coristine recently joined the Social Security Administration to work on its website.

Trump expressed his concern over rising crime in Washington D.C., particularly among juveniles as young as 14, 15, and 16, who he believes are committing random assaults and shootings with impunity. He has proposed changing the city’s laws to prosecute these minors as adults and to impose harsh penalties.

“If D.C. doesn’t take immediate action to address this issue, we may have no choice but to federalize the city and enforce law and order,” Trump stated on Truth Social.

Elon Musk, former head of DOGE, voiced similar concerns, urging for federal control over Washington D.C. on X.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declined to comment on Trump’s remarks when reached by CNN.

Trump further threatened federal intervention on Wednesday, suggesting his administration may take over the DC Police Department and potentially mobilize the National Guard. “We’re considering it because the crime in D.C. is unacceptable,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding, “and we might need to bring in the National Guard as well.”

Trump also mentioned exploring the possibility of overturning DC Home Rule, which grants certain congressional powers related to the city’s governance to local government entities.

“We’re going to look at that. Our legal team is already studying it,” Trump said. “We need to take control of D.C., make it one of the best-run cities in the country, not the worst.”

US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro supported Trump’s stance, stating during a Wednesday interview with Fox News that the juveniles responsible for such crimes should face consequences and that this is what the president wants.

DC Councilmember Christina Henderson expressed concern over rising violence in the city but also highlighted frustration experienced by the City Council due to insufficient judicial nominations and confirmations by both the Biden and Trump administrations, which have hindered the handling of the city’s criminal caseload.

Trump’s renewed calls for federal intervention come amid a less defiant approach from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser during his second term. Bowser has faced criticism from some local officials for this approach. In March, Bowser removed the Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington after Republicans in Congress threatened to withhold funding if the mural remained intact.