FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration has launched a nationwide hiring initiative for its D.C. Crime Task Force, offering federal benefits to attract law enforcement officers and civilians. The task force, which has already mobilized over 2,000 personnel to tackle violent crime in Washington, D.C., is now expanding its mission through a new hiring portal called SAFEDC.GOV. This portal is designed to recruit individuals with law enforcement backgrounds, military veterans, and civilians interested in supporting federal agencies in the task force’s efforts.
Hired candidates will initially serve on the task force for up to one year, with eligibility for recruitment bonuses, healthcare coverage, federal pensions, and paid leave. This initiative comes after President Trump repeatedly lauded the task force’s success in restoring safety to D.C., claiming that his policies have led to a dramatic decline in violent crime. The task force was first established in early 2025, and its operations have been accompanied by a significant federal military presence, including the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to patrol major traffic hubs such as Union Station.
Despite the administration’s claims, critics, particularly Democrats, have raised concerns about the expansion of federal authority over local law enforcement, arguing that the task force’s efforts represent an overreach of presidential power. They have also pointed out that crime rates in D.C. have shown some decline since 2020, suggesting that the measures are unnecessary. For instance, during an August speech, Trump highlighted what he considered a rapid improvement in D.C. safety, saying,