Beginning Friday, more law enforcement officers will be in Washington after President Donald Trump floated threats of federalizing the district earlier this week.
“Operational details have not been finalized at this time,” a White House official told the Washington Examiner. “The White House, respective federal agencies, and local officials are working together in line with the President’s Executive Order to use federal and local enforcement to drive down crime. D.C. residents can expect to see an increase in federal enforcement starting as early as tomorrow.”
The reported assault of Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer who goes by “Big Balls,” amplified the Trump administration’s concern about crime in Washington. The former staffer was allegedly beaten by a group of 10 juveniles in Dupont Circle over the weekend.
“The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these ‘minors’ as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore.”
The District of Columbia Mayor’s Office declined to comment on the influx of federal law enforcement officers set to patrol the district on Friday.
A D.C. Council source told the Washington Examiner that local officials have “heard that it’s happening ” but could share no other details, such as how many officers would be on patrol.
“Washington, D.C., is an amazing city, but it has sadly been plagued by petty and violent crime for far too long,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “President Trump is committed to making our nation’s capital safer and even more beautiful for its residents, lawmakers, and visitors from all around the world.”
The latest Metropolitan Police Department crime report shows that crime so far in 2025 is trending downward compared to 2024. The data show a 26% decrease in all violent crimes, including a 20% drop in assaults with a dangerous weapon and a 28% drop in robberies. The report shows a 7% decrease in total crimes across the district.
In March, Trump signed an executive order titled “Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful,” establishing a “D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force” to collaborate with officials on district security.
“The Task Force has already used federal enforcement and the National Park Services to increase enforcement, bring down crime, arrest illegal immigrants, and removing homelessness encampments,” a White House official told the Washington Examiner.
DOGE STAFFER ASSAULT PUTS DC MAYOR BACK UNDER TRUMP SCRUTINY
Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the White House’s assessment of the task force to the Washington Post.
“With all the large-scale events happening in D.C. this summer, the increased focus and support from the Task Force has allowed MPD to be focused on driving down crime in our neighborhoods while partners assist on federal properties,” Bowser said in a statement to Washington Post reporters Natalie Allison and Olivia George.
