Crime in Washington, D.C. has dropped sharply since President Donald Trump ordered a federal takeover of policing the capital earlier this month.
According to the D.C. Police Union, carjackings are down 83%, robberies down 46%, and overall violent crime down 22% compared to the week before the crackdown.
Other offenses also showed marked decreases: assault with a deadly weapon dropped 6%, car thefts fell 21%, property crime was down 6%, and overall crime across the city was 8% lower.
“These numbers are proof that federal assistance gives us a boost,” the union wrote, while calling for further reforms to keep the momentum.
Hundreds of arrests and dozens of guns seized
Since the operation began, federal and local authorities have made over 450 arrests, including three known gang members, and seized 68 firearms. On the night of August 18–19 alone, FBI Director Kash Patel reported 21 arrests in the city, including charges for felony assault, larceny, drug offenses, and assault on an officer.
Nearly 50 homeless encampments have also been cleared, with voluntary relocations for those displaced.
White House highlights Trump’s ‘remarkable success’
At Tuesday’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed the progress:
“There have been a total of 465 arrests since the start of this operation. Last night, there were a total of 52 arrests, including the arrest of an illegal alien MS-13 gang member.”
She added that nearly half of the non-immigration-related arrests have occurred in Wards 7 and 8, historically among the city’s most crime-plagued neighborhoods.
Pushback from Democrats
While many residents and visitors have praised the swift changes, Democratic officials and activists have blasted the move as federal overreach.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom all criticized Trump’s decision. Newsom went as far as to liken the president to a “dictator.”
Over the weekend, left-wing protesters marched in D.C. carrying signs reading “Free D.C.” and chanting for the National Guard to leave the city.
Trump officials push back
Leavitt dismissed Democratic criticisms, accusing them of “coddling violent criminals” while Trump is “focused on putting them behind bars”
