President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he is considering mobilizing the National Guard in Washington, D.C., in response to rising violent crime in the city. Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed concern over the current crime situation, stating, “The crime is ridiculous.”
When asked if he was contemplating taking control of the D.C. police, Trump confirmed that he was looking into it, mentioning the possibility of quickly bringing in the National Guard. His comments come after he previously deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles earlier this year during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Trump emphasized his desire to improve the nation’s capital, mentioning plans to remove graffiti and fix roads. “We’re going to beautify the city,” he said. He also referenced a recent incident involving Ed Coristine, a government staffer known as “Big Balls,” who was assaulted while trying to help a woman during a carjacking. Trump described Coristine as a “beautiful, handsome guy” who faced a serious situation, highlighting the need for action against crime.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared an image of Coristine and warned that federal intervention would be considered if D.C. fails to address violent crime effectively. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk supported Trump’s remarks, having worked with Coristine on a government efficiency project.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat, responded to Trump’s comments by stating that while violent crime is a serious issue, the city’s crime rate is at a 30-year low. She argued that the president does not have the authority to take control of D.C. without congressional approval and vowed to prevent any efforts to change the city’s governance.
Despite Norton’s pushback, some Republican lawmakers have shown interest in revoking D.C.’s Home Rule, which grants the city limited self-governance. When asked if he supports this move, Trump indicated that legal experts are already examining the matter. He expressed a vision for D.C. to be a well-run city where residents feel safe walking the streets.
As discussions continue, the situation in Washington, D.C., remains a focal point for both local and national leaders, with the potential for significant changes in how the city is governed and policed.
