President Donald Trump is signaling a sweeping plan to restore safety and law and order in the nation’s capital, following the tragic murder of a congressional intern in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, an intern for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), was shot and killed Monday night — the latest high-profile act of violence in a city that’s become synonymous with soft-on-crime policies and radical leadership.
When asked by Daily Caller’s Reagan Reese whether Congress should take back control of the city, Trump responded with a direct warning and a promise.
“I think that D.C. has to become a very safe place, and we’re not going to let anything bad happen to D.C. That’s our beautiful state, and we’re not going to let anything bad [happen] — and we’ll have something to say about it,” Trump said.
🚨NEW: Trump teases big announcement on cleaning up DC 🚨
“I think that DC has to become a very safe place and we’re not going to let anything bad happen to DC. That’s our beautiful state and we’re not going to let anything bad and we’ll have something to say about it,” Trump… pic.twitter.com/RRpsCJHjLd
— Mariane Angela (@MarianeAngelaDC) July 4, 2025
Intern murdered just blocks from power
Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student from Massachusetts, was gunned down in Northwest D.C. near the Capitol. The FBI confirmed the shooting was not random, and two others were injured in the incident.
His death comes just weeks after two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead near the Capitol Jewish Museum. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed their deaths and promised a full investigation.
These are just two examples in a growing list of violent crimes in what should be one of the most secure cities in America.
D.C. crime crisis spirals out of control
While the left-wing D.C. city government pushes radical policies, the results are clear:
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Fewer than 2% of illegal firearm offenders received prison time between 2018 and 2022
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In 2024 alone, police seized nearly 2,900 illegal guns
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Murders, carjackings, and assaults have continued to rise under the current leadership
Time for Congress to step in?
Under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (1973), D.C. elects its own mayor and city council — but Congress retains full authority over the district and can override local law and control the budget.
Calls are growing louder for Congress to step in and retake control, especially after the city’s failure to keep even diplomats, interns, and law enforcement safe.
Trump’s comments suggest he may support that move.
“We’re not going to let anything bad happen to D.C.,” Trump emphasized.
Next move: Trump’s big announcement
The president teased a major plan is coming soon — one that could involve sweeping federal intervention, including potential reform of the D.C. criminal justice system or rolling back the failed Home Rule policy.
If Trump and Congress act, it would represent a bold reclaiming of federal control over a failing Democrat-run city.
