Trump is Right: Washington, D.C., Has a Violent Crime Problem
manhattan.institute -- Friday, August 15, 2025, 12:19:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Uncategorized
On Monday, President Donald Trump appeared with several members of his cabinet to announce he was federalizing the Washington, D.C., police force and deploying 800 National Guard troops to crack down on violent crime in the capital city.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the move as "unsettling" but admitted that President Trump has the authority to act under the "plain language" of the city's home rule charter.
Homicides, carjackings, and robberies are a longstanding problem in Washington, particularly in the city's least affluent neighborhoods. But no one is immune. Secret Service agents have fired on carjackers multiple times in recent years, including while outside former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's home and while protecting former President Joe Biden's granddaughter. In April, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse was snatched. In July, a 21-year-old living in Washington for his congressional summer internship was gunned down by a stray bullet. And, last week, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee was assaulted by a large group of teenagers in an attempted carjacking.
The main objection from the president's critics is that violent crime is going down in Washington and, therefore, there is no need for the president to intervene and direct federal law enforcement officers to the city's streets. In the Boston Globe, Thomas W. Smith fellow Heather Mac Donald responds to that by urging us not to define deviancy down. Flash mobs, vicious pedestrian assaults, and mass looting -- not to mention the nearly 10 violent crimes, six robberies, and three assaults with a dangerous weapon that occur daily in a city of only 700,000 -- are part of the fabric of Washington, but they shouldn't have to be.
In The Atlantic, fellow Charles Fain Lehman writes that D.C. residents are deeply troubled by violence and anti-social deviancy, and Washington still has a higher homicide rate than the rates in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and even Chicago. There is no reason why the capital of the United States should be among the nation's most dangerous cities.
Taking over the Metropolitan Police Department is only one way among many that the federal government may rightfully respond, director of cities John Ketcham and Charles Fain Lehman write for City Journal. The "home-rule" arrangement gives the federal government significant oversight powers. Congress and the president should consider all their options, including adding presidentially appointed seats to the D.C. Council; directing police to target juvenile crime and gang activity, both of which are pervasive; and reviewing and vetoing pernicious local legislation.
The Trump administration's Justice Department is also continuing to crack down on ideological and racial discrimination at elite universities. In City Journal, MI's director of higher education policy, John D. Sailer, praises a new DOJ memo that lists several common practices constituting illegal discrimination. Sailer's extensive reporting on university race-based hiring practices proves that universities have embraced nearly every practice the DOJ asserts is illegal.
Elsewhere at MI, senior fellow Abigail Shrier warns in The Free Press that Illinois's new mandatory mental-health screenings for public school children will not only result in a dangerously high number of false-positive diagnoses, but they will also encourage suggestible children to fall into the slippery mental-health pipeline and pathologize perfectly normal emotions.
Finally, the MI Research team published a new report by Paulson policy analyst Carolyn D. Gorman on the shortage of psychiatric beds in U.S. hospitals. This is a consequence of the Medicaid's "institutions for mental diseases" (IMD) exclusion, which bars federal funding for psychiatric treatment in large facilities. Repealing the IMD exclusion is a necessary step in getting individuals suffering from serious mental illness off the streets and into the care they need.
Continue reading for all these insights and more.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent announcement by former President Donald Trump regarding the federalization of the Washington, D.C. police force and the deployment of 800 National Guard troops has ignited a heated debate about crime, governance, and the historical complexities of race and class in urban America. While Trump’s approach has been framed under the premise of addressing a violent crime problem, it is essential to unpack the underlying social dynamics and historical context that inform such drastic measures. The issues of crime in Washington, D.C., particularly in its marginalized neighborhoods, are deeply rooted in systemic inequities and have long been exploited for political gain, often to the detriment of community safety and social justice.
Historical analysis reveals that the African American community in Washington, D.C., has faced significant socio-economic challenges, largely stemming from decades of systemic racism and neglect. The city’s crime rates are unevenly distributed, with lower-income neighborhoods experiencing higher levels of violence. These disparities are not merely coincidental but are a direct result of disinvestment, inadequate public services, and the legacy of discriminatory housing policies that have marginalized residents of color. When political figures like Trump respond to crime with heavy-handed federal intervention, it obscures the root causes and perpetuates a cycle of criminalization rather than addressing the underlying socio-economic conditions that contribute to crime.
Moreover, the assertion that crime is a pressing issue in the nation’s capital often overlooks the broader societal context. While statistics may indicate fluctuations in crime rates, the narrative surrounding crime tends to focus disproportionately on sensational incidents rather than systemic issues. Critics of Trump’s measures argue that violent crime is actually declining in D.C., and deploying federal troops may exacerbate tensions rather than foster community safety. Such actions can be seen as a form of state overreach, invoking a historical pattern of federal intervention in urban areas that often leads to more harm than good, disproportionately affecting communities of color and low-income residents.
Furthermore, the suggestion to target juvenile crime and gang activity raises significant ethical questions. Historically, these strategies have led to the criminalization of youth, particularly young people of color, without addressing the societal factors that drive such behavior. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, effective crime prevention requires investment in community resources, including education, health services, and job opportunities. Programs that encourage community engagement and provide support can lead to more sustainable outcomes than military-style policing. By framing crime as a public safety issue rather than a social justice concern, policymakers risk reinforcing a punitive paradigm that fails to serve the very communities that need support the most.
Finally, the conversation around crime in Washington, D.C., is emblematic of a broader national narrative that often conflates law enforcement with public safety. This has historical roots in the War on Drugs and the militarization of police forces, which disproportionately target marginalized communities. As society grapples with the implications of these policies, it is vital to advocate for a shift in discourse that prioritizes community well-being over punitive measures. A holistic approach that emphasizes restorative justice, equitable access to resources, and community-driven solutions offers a more compassionate and effective path forward. In doing so, we can challenge the narratives that perpetuate fear and division, ultimately fostering a more just and equitable society.
The recent announcement by President Trump regarding the federalization of the Washington, D.C. police force and the deployment of 800 National Guard troops highlights a complex and multifaceted issue that extends far beyond mere crime statistics. While it is undeniable that crime, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods, poses a significant challenge, it is crucial to contextualize this situation within the broader historical and socio-economic landscape of the city. The increase in violence cannot simply be attributed to a lack of law enforcement; rather, it is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues, including poverty, lack of access to education, and insufficient mental health resources.
The narrative surrounding crime in Washington, D.C. often overlooks the historical inequities faced by many of its residents. The capital city is a microcosm of America’s broader struggles with racial inequality and economic disparity. Predominantly Black neighborhoods have historically been underfunded and neglected, leading to cycles of poverty and crime that are difficult to break. This has been exacerbated by decades of disinvestment, gentrification, and insufficient social services. A genuine approach to reducing crime must consider these factors and prioritize community-based solutions rather than militarized responses, which may only serve to deepen distrust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In light of these dynamics, it is essential to engage with the question of how we, as citizens, can advocate for meaningful change. Rather than endorsing federal intervention that risks further militarizing the police, we should push for policies that address the root causes of crime. This includes advocating for increased funding for social programs, affordable housing, and education in under-resourced neighborhoods. Community investment is vital in not only preventing crime but also fostering a sense of safety and belonging among residents. Empowering local organizations that work directly with at-risk populations can lead to more effective and sustainable outcomes than top-down approaches.
Moreover, we must confront the tendency to sensationalize crime rates without considering the nuance of the issues at hand. Discussions about crime need to be grounded in a commitment to social justice and equity, rather than merely focusing on punitive measures. The framing of crime as an issue requiring military-style intervention often fails to acknowledge the lived experiences of those residing in affected areas. We should advocate for a reimagining of public safety that prioritizes restorative justice, mental health support, and community policing strategies that build relationships rather than exacerbate tensions.
Finally, as engaged citizens, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and others about the complexities of crime, policing, and community safety. This entails supporting local initiatives aimed at crime prevention, engaging with community leaders, and participating in dialogues that challenge prevailing narratives around crime and punishment. By fostering a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors at play and advocating for systemic change, we can contribute to a more equitable and just society. Instead of accepting federal interventions as a solution, we should champion grassroots efforts that empower communities and address the underlying causes of violence, ultimately leading to safer and more resilient neighborhoods.
Analyzing the situation presented in the article, it is clear that crime and public safety are pressing issues in Washington, D.C. The federal response, led by President Trump, raises significant concerns about the implications of federalizing local police and the potential consequences for community relations and civil rights. Here are some concrete actions individuals can take to address these issues and advocate for community-led solutions:
### Actions to Take
1. **Support Community Safety Initiatives**: - **Join or Support Local Neighborhood Watch Programs**: Engage with community organizations that focus on safety through community engagement rather than heavy policing. - **Example**: Check out local resources through the D.C. Neighborhood Watch program. Reach out to your local community center for information.
2. **Advocate for Alternatives to Policing**: - **Petition for Funding Mental Health Services**: Initiate or sign petitions that call for funding mental health services and community resources rather than increasing police presence. - **Example Petition**: Create or support a petition on platforms like Change.org asking for increased funding for mental health resources in D.C.
3. **Engage with Elected Officials**: - **Write to Your Local Councilmember**: Express your concerns regarding the federal takeover of the D.C. police and urge them to focus on community-led safety initiatives. - **Who to Contact**: - **D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen** (Ward 6) - Email: callen@dccouncil.us - Address: 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 106, Washington, D.C. 20004
4. **Raise Awareness**: - **Social Media Campaigns**: Use platforms like Twitter and Instagram to raise awareness about the implications of federalizing local police and advocate for community-led safety solutions. - **Hashtags**: Use hashtags like #CommunitySafety, #DefundPolice, #InvestInCommunities to spread the message.
5. **Attend Community Meetings**: - **Participate in Local Government Meetings**: Attend D.C. Council meetings or community forums to voice your opinion and push for discussions on community safety. - **Find Meeting Information**: Check the D.C. Council website for schedules of upcoming meetings or town halls.
6. **Volunteer with Local Organizations**: - **Engage with Organizations Focused on Violence Prevention**: Volunteer with groups that aim to reduce violence through community engagement and support systems. - **Example Organization**: Reach out to the D.C. Violence Prevention Coalition for opportunities.
7. **Support Legislative Change**: - **Write to Congressional Representatives**: Urge them to oppose federal overreach in local law enforcement and to advocate for policies that address root causes of crime, like poverty and lack of access to education. - **Who to Contact**: - **Senator Dick Durbin** (Illinois) - Email: https://www.durbin.senate.gov/contact - **Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton** (D.C.) - Email: https://norton.house.gov/contact - Address: 2136 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
### What to Say
When writing or speaking to officials, consider including the following points:
- **Express Concern**: Clearly articulate your concern about the potential federalization of the D.C. police force and its implications for community relations. - **Advocate for Alternatives**: Urge for a focus on community-led initiatives that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of mental health resources, rather than increased policing. - **Request Transparency and Accountability**: Ask for transparency in any proposed changes to policing and insist on accountability measures that protect civil rights. - **Promote Inclusivity**: Emphasize the need for inclusive policies that engage community members in discussions about safety and crime prevention.
By taking these steps, individuals can actively engage with the issues presented in the article and work towards constructive solutions that prioritize community well-being over militarized responses to crime.