Trump threatens Federal control of DC; Musk backs call amid crime debate

Trump warns DC of federal takeover over youth crime

US President Donald Trump has said that the federal government could assume control of Washington, D.C., if local leaders "don't get their act together," claiming the city's crime is “totally out of control.”

In a social media post, he criticized local officials for failing to manage what he described as a rise in violent crime, particularly involving teenagers. He also called for minors as young as 14 to be prosecuted as adults. His remarks came on the same day the FBI released new statistics showing a nationwide decline in violent crime.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Crime in Washington, DC, is totally out of control. Local ‘youths’ and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released.”

"They are not afraid of law enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them," Trump wrote. "But it's going to happen now!"

"The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs" he further added.

"If DC doesn't get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take federal control of the city," Trump warned. "We will run this city how it should be run."

"Washington, DC, must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the world to see," Trump added, closing the post with: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

To support the call, tech billionaire Elon Musk posted on X, stating, "It is time to federalize DC."

Referring to a recent incident, he added: "A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC. 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."

A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC. 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. It is time to federalize DC. pic.twitter.com/RPHKj7J3ti — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 5, 2025

While crime continues to be a politically sensitive topic, especially in major cities like Washington, DC, recent federal data suggests that overall crime rates are actually declining contrary to Trump's claims.