President Donald J. Trump Signs Executive Order to Address Crime in Washington, D.C.

Washington DC - President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order aimed at addressing rising violent crime in Washington, D.C. The order declares a crime emergency in the nation's capital and outlines measures to restore public safety, protect Federal employees, and aid in the city's proper governance.

Executive Order Overview

The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Defense to mobilize the District of Columbia National Guard. The mobilization will remain in place until crime levels are sufficiently reduced, and law and order are restored.

Additionally, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to coordinate with State Governors to deploy additional National Guard units if necessary.

The President has also invoked provisions under the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act, requiring the Mayor of Washington, D.C., to ensure that Metropolitan Police Department personnel are available to support Federal functions within the city.

Operational oversight over these measures has been delegated to the Attorney General, who is tasked with monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to the President.

Rising Crime Rates and Impacts

Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has reached alarming levels, with significant implications for residents, Federal workers, and tourists. The city has some of the highest violent crime rates compared to major U.S. cities.

This includes an average homicide rate of 27.54 per 100,000 residents in 2024, which exceeds those of cities like Bogota, Mexico City, and Paris. Additionally, vehicle thefts in the District are more than three times the national average, totaling 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents.

The President expressed concern that the increase in violent crime in the nation's capital impacts not only the safety of residents but also the functioning of the Federal Government. Rising violence has hindered the recruitment and retention of essential Federal employees and diverted resources meant for other critical federal functions.  

"It is a national disgrace that Washington, D.C., has a violent crime rate higher than some of the most dangerous places in the world," the President stated in remarks following the announcement of the Executive Order.

Key Crime Incidents

The Executive Order cites several recent incidents as illustrations of escalating crime:

• Two embassy staffers were murdered in May.
• A Congressional intern was fatally shot near the White House in June.
• A presidential administration staffer was attacked by a mob only days ago.

These and other incidents, coupled with long-standing trends of crime in the District, necessitated the President's intervention.

Restoring Public Order

President Trump emphasized his responsibility to protect the safety of citizens, visitors, and employees of the Federal Government in Washington, D.C. He described the city as critical to the functions of American governance and called for immediate action to make it a safer place.

"Before the tents, squalor, filth, and crime, it was the most beautiful capital in the world. It will soon be that again," the President said, reinforcing his commitment to restoring the city's former glory.

The administration also noted that efforts to increase police support and address critical safety infrastructure in D.C. began earlier this year with the creation of a task force.

This initiative aims to reduce crime, enhance infrastructure, and ensure Washington, D.C., becomes a model of safety and prosperity.

Attorney General's Role

The Attorney General is tasked with leading the implementation of the measures outlined in the Executive Order. This includes overseeing the use of Metropolitan Police Department services for Federal purposes and regularly reporting on the status of the crime emergency.

The Attorney General is also responsible for identifying when the emergency measures can be lifted or if additional actions are needed to address public safety concerns in the District.

A Federal Obligation

The President underscored that restoring safety in Washington, D.C., is not only a local issue but also a national priority.

The Executive Order aims to ensure the safety of all who live, work, or visit the capital, while maintaining the smooth functioning of the Federal Government.