The president issued a stark ultimatum to the nation's capital: get crime under control or face federal intervention. Donald Trump's threat comes as juvenile violence continues to plague Washington DC streets.
According to the New York Post, Trump posted on Truth Social that "If D.C. doesn't get its act together, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City." His statement included a graphic image of a bloodied assault victim.
The president's comments followed a violent incident involving Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency employee nicknamed "Big Balls," who was attacked by juveniles while protecting a woman from a potential carjacking in downtown DC on Sunday.
Former DOGE Staffer Beaten While Defending Woman
Elon Musk shared details of the incident on his X platform, stating that Coristine rushed to help a woman threatened in her car by approximately a dozen young men. The Metropolitan Police Department report confirms Coristine pushed his significant other into their vehicle for protection before confronting the assailants.
The ex-DOGE staffer was severely beaten by a group of teenagers, suffering injuries that left him bloodied and concussed. Police arrived during the assault and arrested two youths connected to the attack.
This incident exemplifies what Trump called "out of control" crime, where juveniles are "randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens" without facing serious consequences.
Juvenile Crime Rates Double National Average
Statistics reveal Washington DC's juvenile arrest rate stands at nearly twice the national average, with approximately 2,235 such bookings annually between 2016 and 2022. The crime wave has left many residents feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods.
District At-Large Councilmember Robert White Jr. acknowledged the troubling trend during a February 2024 town hall, stating, "We see a surge of young people engaging in serious crime. We are seeing kids as young as nine and ten getting involved in carjackings."
Mayor Muriel Bowser has attempted to address the issue by implementing an 11 p.m. curfew for those under 18, with some areas imposing restrictions beginning as early as 7 p.m.
President Calls For Harsher Juvenile Penalties
Trump urged DC officials to begin charging violent juvenile offenders as adults starting at age 14 and to "lock them up for a long time." His proposal reflects frustration with what he perceives as a catch-and-release system.
This isn't the first time Trump has threatened federal intervention in the District. In February, he told reporters aboard Air Force One, "I think we should take over Washington, DC — make it safe."
The president's Truth Social post included a disturbing image of a young man sitting on the ground with blood streaming down his face, apparently after being assaulted by teenagers.
Federal Authority Over The District Remains Complex
While the 1973 Home Rule Act granted DC the power to elect a mayor and city council, Congress still maintains significant authority over the capital. This complex governance structure creates ongoing tension between local autonomy and federal oversight.
In 2023, Congress blocked a DC criminal code revision that would have reduced maximum penalties for certain violent crimes, including carjacking and armed robbery. Then-President Joe Biden approved this congressional intervention.
Trump has recently signed an executive order encouraging states and cities to place homeless individuals suffering from addiction and mental illness into treatment centers, further demonstrating his willingness to influence local governance.
