President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the escalating crime issue in Washington, D.C., calling it an ’embarrassing’ situation that undermines his reputation ahead of his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During his press conference on Monday, Trump unveiled a plan to federalize the D.C. police force and deploy federal law enforcement and National Guard units to tackle the surge in violence and crime in the nation’s capital.
The decision follows a string of high-profile incidents in the city, including violent attacks and shootings, which have spiked since Trump regained the presidency. Trump claimed the city has been overrun by gangs and violent criminals, and he vowed to ‘not let it happen anymore.’ However, local Democratic leaders, including D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, have dismissed the claim of an emergency, noting a 26% drop in violent crimes this year.
In addition to the crime issue, Trump’s focus has been on his upcoming meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday, which he views as a pivotal step in resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He is hopeful that this meeting will allow for swift negotiations to end the conflict, and he has expressed confidence in reaching a deal quickly, citing his own negotiation skills.