Trump Vows Swift Action on D.C. Crime, Ignores Falling Stats
President escalates rhetoric on city’s safety, issues ultimatum to homeless
President Donald Trump intensified his focus on crime in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, declaring the city’s homeless population must relocate “IMMEDIATELY.” His pronouncements come despite official data indicating a significant decrease in violent crime within the nation’s capital.
The Homeless have to move out, IMMEDIATELY. We will give you places to stay, but FAR from the Capital. It’s all going to happen very fast, just like the Border. We went from millions pouring in, to ZERO in the last few months. This will be easier — Be prepared! There will be no “MR. NICE GUY.” We want our Capital BACK.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2025
“No ‘Mr. Nice Guy'”
The President’s strong language, shared on his Truth Social platform, directly addresses the homeless crisis. He pledged alternative accommodations but emphasized they would be situated “FAR from the Capital.” This aggressive stance follows a recent assault on a government efficiency department member during an attempted carjacking.
Trump drew a parallel to his immigration policies, stating, “This will be easier — Be prepared!” He unequivocally declared, “There will be no ‘MR. NICE GUY.’ We want our Capital BACK.”
Executive Order Fuels Concerns
This social media post reinforces the administration’s commitment to previously announced initiatives. Last month, Trump signed an executive order designed to streamline the removal of individuals experiencing homelessness from public spaces, a move that drew sharp criticism from advocacy groups.
Crime Data Contradicts Claims
The President’s assertions regarding rising crime in D.C. stand in stark contrast to official figures. Data released by the Justice Department reveals that violent crime in the District reached a 30-year low in 2024. Homicides, robberies, and armed carjackings have all seen a decline.
Despite the declining crime rates, Trump reiterated his plan for a press availability at the White House on Monday to discuss crime in the District. The White House also recently publicized a seven-day initiative aimed at combating crime, featuring an augmented federal law enforcement presence.
Local Leadership Responds
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back against Trump‘s characterizations. On MSNBC, she stated, “Any comparison to a war-torn country is hyperbolic and false.”
“I also just really want to say we always want to get better, and there are ways more than any other city in America that the federal government can help the District of Columbia.”
—Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.
Mayor Bowser emphasized the city’s openness to federal assistance, noting, “there are ways more than any other city in America that the federal government can help the District of Columbia.” The District has historically been a point of contention for Trump, with his rhetoric becoming increasingly forceful in recent days.
