President Donald Trump’s administration has been actively working on improving the quality of life in Washington D.C., particularly in areas related to crime and vagrancy. The efforts, which include increased law enforcement patrols and arrests, have sparked debate among residents and officials.
Over the past year, violent crime in D.C. has declined by 19% year-to-date compared to last year, with a notable drop in assaults with a dangerous weapon and robberies. However, 98 people have been killed citywide so far this year, including a congressional intern and a 3-year-old.
The administration’s efforts are part of an executive order signed by Trump, which involves putting more federal law enforcement officers around D.C.’s parks, monuments, and museums. The order also instructs the Interior Department to develop a beautification plan for areas in the District.
In December, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser credited the citywide drop in crime to the administration’s efforts. However, some residents have expressed outrage over recent arrests, including those made last month in Logan and Dupont Circle parks.
The White House claims that Trump’s executive order has led to improvements across the city, but a senior member of the Metropolitan Police Department said that the significant decreases in crime are due to the hard work and dedication of local law enforcement officers.
Trump has also pointed fingers at the Biden administration, arguing that problems with crime and vagrancy worsened during and in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. The Trump administration is touting changes to ease the process of legally owning a firearm in D.C., including revised concealed-carry website and faster appointment processes.
As part of the executive order, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is working on rehabilitating Folger Park on Capitol Hill and making improvements at Lafayette Square across from the White House. The administration has also increased its presence throughout D.C., with the National Park Service taking a proactive approach to track and remove homeless encampments and graffiti.
Despite the efforts, some residents are concerned about the federal government’s increasing presence in the city and the potential impact on local autonomy. The relationship between Trump and Bowser has been complex, but the two have shared a more positive partnership than during his first term in office.
The White House claims that Trump’s push for anti-crime measures is “personal” to him, as he lives in the city and is aware of its problems. The administration’s efforts have sparked debate among residents and officials, with some expressing outrage over recent arrests and others praising the efforts to improve crime rates.
Overall, Trump’s push for anti-crime measures has highlighted the complex relationship between local law enforcement, federal agencies, and the Trump administration’s efforts to improve quality of life in Washington D.C.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/08/06/trump-dc-crime-home-rule