Trump Threatens to Federalize D.C. Amid Surge in Violent Crime

Former President Donald Trump has threatened to “federalize” Washington, D.C., following a string of violent crimes, including a brutal assault on a former member of his DOGE team, known by the nickname “Big Balls.” Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump described the capital as “totally out of control,” and called for dramatic federal intervention if local leaders fail to act swiftly.

Trump specifically condemned what he called a wave of youth-driven violence, claiming that minors—some as young as 14—are engaging in muggings, shootings, and beatings without fear of consequences. He advocated for changing local laws to allow minors to be tried as adults, stating that criminals must be “locked up for a long time.”

“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together… we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City,” Trump warned. He stressed the importance of ensuring the nation’s capital is “safe, clean, and beautiful” not only for Americans but for international visitors as well. The comments signal a growing push from Trump to make crime a central campaign issue.

Elon Musk, former head of DOGE, echoed Trump’s remarks, recounting a recent incident where the same staffer intervened to stop a carjacking and was “severely beaten” in the process. Musk added that such heroism highlights the city’s deteriorating public safety situation and expressed support for federal action.

Washington, D.C., is governed under the Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants limited autonomy to local officials. However, Congress, with the president’s backing, retains the authority to override this law—paving the way for a potential return to federal oversight if crime trends continue.