On August 3, 2025, stepping aboard Air Force One at Lehigh Valley International Airport, Pennsylvania, USA, President Donald Trump signaled with a wave. His expression carried a deep concern regarding the state of affairs in Washington DC, hinting at possible federal intervention if local governance didn’t improve promptly.
During his address on the following Tuesday, President Trump highlighted the real possibility of the US government stepping in to assume control of Washington. This statement, somewhat of an ultimatum, was in response to his reservations about the escalating crime rate in the nation’s capital.
The President drew attention to the rampant lawlessness prevalent in Washington, DC. Expressing concern over the local ‘adolescents’ and gang affiliates, some being as young as 14, 15, and 16, engaging in unchecked criminal activities. He presented a grim depiction of random assaults, robberies, and acts of brutal violence inflicting the innocent populace, further intensified by their almost instantaneous release.
President Trump vociferously demanded for a transformation of DC’s law enforcement strategies. In his opinion, the juveniles involved in these criminal activities must face the consequences as adults would. This implied amending the prevailing laws, permitting legal prosecution of these ‘minors’ as adults, and implementing severe custodial sentences, starting as early as age 14.
Further emphasizing his stance, President Trump pressed on the dire need for the local government to rectify their shortcomings promptly. He registered the possibility of the Federal Government stepping in and assuming control of the city if the desired changes are not enacted efficiently.
In a more resolute tone, he warned, ‘Should this situation persist, I will be compelled to exercise my executive powers and federalize the city. Revitalizing our great nation requires such drastic measures.’
The President has previously mooted the idea of a federal takeover of major cities such as New York City and Washington, as well. His proclamations in July stirred discussions around the government assuming control of both metropolitan areas.
In a Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Trump expressed his views on the upcoming mayoral election in NYC. He didn’t hold back his criticism of the Democratic mayoral primary champion, opining that the city would witness irreparable changes if a Communist were to be elected.
During the same meet, while deliberating over Washington, he confidently stated, ‘Controlling DC is within our capabilities. We are eyeing it due to the dire need for effective governance. We aim for a crimeless DC and desire smooth administration.’
He went on to assure that if provided an opportunity to govern DC, the administration would be adept at ensuring efficient functionality. He assured that a competent individual would be given charge, hinting that crime rates would drastically reduce under such governance.
Coming off as rather contemplative, Trump admitted, ‘We are giving serious thought to this prospect.’ This clearly authenticated his views on stepping in, if required, to ensure the city’s safety and welfare.
Looking back into earlier months, in February to be precise, Trump had publicly endorsed the call for a federal takeover of Washington, as the local government continued to struggle with rampant crime and escalating homelessness.
The President’s outlook towards governance bore a stark resemblance to his stand on ‘Law and Order.’ He envisaged Washington DC adorning an unblemished appearance, flourishing under federal administration. He went so far as to advocate for seizing control over Washington DC to ensure its safety.
Over the years, President Trump has voiced similar sentiments on numerous occasions, fostering the urgency of stringent governance to handle escalating crime rates in numerous cities. The call for a possible federal takeover continually resonates in his insistences, underscoring his commitment to restore peace and order.
The post Trump Opens Up Possibility of Federal Intervention in Washington DC appeared first on Real News Now.
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