Trump Announces White House Press Conference Aimed at Curbing DC Crime

Former President Donald Trump announced via Truth Social on Saturday a press conference scheduled for Monday at the White House, asserting it will “essentially stop violent crime” in Washington, D.C.. The announcement follows increasing concerns about safety within the capital city, which Trump characterized as “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the World,” and promised would soon become “one of the safest.”

The press conference comes after a Thursday declaration from the White House detailing plans to deploy federal law enforcement officers onto Washington’s streets. This security enhancement is slated for a seven-day duration, potentially extendable according to Trump’s statements. On Wednesday, he had previously indicated his intention to assume control of the city’s police department in response to an incident involving an injured administration staffer during an attempted hijacking.

Recent events have heightened anxieties regarding public safety. Last weekend, Edward Coristine, a Department of Government Efficiency employee, was reportedly assaulted by a group of teenagers. Authorities have apprehended two 15-year-olds and are pursuing additional suspects linked to the attack. Trump has repeatedly voiced concerns over rising violent crime in Washington, D.C., previously suggesting the deployment of the National Guard and contemplating a revocation of the city’s limited self-governance measures.

William McGinley, former White House cabinet secretary, publicly endorsed Trump’s actions on X (formerly Twitter), affirming that he is taking “concrete steps” to enhance the capital’s security. He attributed responsibility for Washington’s challenges to the Democratic Party and encouraged supporters to remain steadfast. Conversely, Juan Carlos Green, a community engagement manager at the DC public charter school board, expressed concerns about presidential overreach, emphasizing the right of District residents to self-governance.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the initiative as “the first step in stopping the violent crime that has been plaguing the streets of Washington, D.C.” while declining to elaborate on specific details expected during Monday’s briefing.