President Donald Trump issued a stern warning Monday, vowing to federalize Washington, D.C. if city leadership fails to address the spiraling violent crime crisis—particularly after a brutal assault on a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee.
“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take federal control of the city,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“We will run this city how it should be run and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore.”
“Big Balls” Attacked While Defending Woman
The president’s post included a graphic photo of a bloodied man, who sources confirmed to Fox News Digital is Edward Coristine, a former teenage DOGE staffer known by the nickname “Big Balls.”
Coristine was reportedly savagely beaten late Sunday or early Monday while defending a woman from an attempted gang assault in D.C., according to former DOGE head Elon Musk, who also posted about the incident on X:
“A @Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her, and was severely beaten to the point of concussion—but he saved her,” Musk wrote.
“It is time to federalize D.C.”
Trump: “Prosecute Gang Members 14+ as Adults”
Citing the brutal assault and a series of high-profile crimes in the area, Trump called for gang members and violent teens over the age of 14 to be charged as adults, and slammed local leaders for creating a culture of lawlessness and impunity.
“They’re randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released,” Trump wrote.
He warned that criminals are “not afraid” of the police, “because nothing ever happens to them.”
Crime Wave Escalating in D.C.
The attack on Coristine follows a string of violent incidents that have plagued the District:
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April: A WMATA police officer was stabbed in the face near the Navy Yard Metro Station.
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May: A House staffer was carjacked at gunpoint in Navy Yard.
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May: A teen mob took over a local park, resulting in multiple arrests and one hospitalization.
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July: Congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was fatally shot alongside a 16-year-old and a woman in a suspected drive-by shooting.
Despite the growing violence, D.C. officials have faced criticism for failing to enact stronger enforcement or implement meaningful reforms.
Trump: “This Is a National Embarrassment”
“Washington, D.C. must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the world to see,” Trump said.
“This incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of violent crime.”
Trump declared the time for excuses is over and warned that if the city’s leadership continues to allow criminals to run free, federal intervention is imminent.
“Either they’re going to straighten their act out… or we’re going to have to federalize and run it the way it’s supposed to be run.”
