President Donald Trump has declared Washington, D.C. a ‘CRIME FREE ZONE’ following a federal crackdown that he claims has resulted in significant crime reductions. The president touted the success of his campaign to enhance public safety, highlighting 550 arrests and a 40% drop in certain crimes within 13 days of the crackdown. He emphasized the arrests of gang members and individuals threatening law enforcement, as well as the deployment of National Guard troops and federal agents to bolster security.
The crackdown, which began after Trump declared a public safety emergency in the city, involved placing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control through Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This move allowed Trump to deploy around 800 National Guard troops to D.C., with 100–200 on duty at any time. Additionally, federal agents from agencies like ICE were reassigned to patrol the city, further intensifying the federal presence. Trump also cited the arrest of an El Salvadorian national and MS-13 gang member, as well as individuals involved in threats against the president and National Guard personnel, as part of his crackdown efforts.
According to preliminary data, the crackdown has led to over 700 arrests and the seizure of 91 illegal firearms within 13 days. Trump’s posts emphasized these figures, although critics have questioned the reliability and context of the statistics. The president’s announcement was accompanied by a video clip from Jeanine Pirro, who praised the changes in the ‘safety landscape in DC.’ However, the move has drawn mixed reactions, with some lawmakers criticizing the use of federal resources and others supporting the intensified security measures. The long-term impact of the crackdown on crime rates and public safety remains a subject of ongoing debate.