Donald Trump has never hidden his disdain for Washington, D.C., and it seems the feeling is mutual among most of its residents, who celebrated when he lost the White House. However, with the city experiencing a surge in violent crime, Trump has seized the opportunity to campaign for a “federal takeover” of the nation’s capital.
During his time in office, Trump flirted with the idea of sending in federal troops to restore law and order in Washington, D.C., particularly during the height of the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. He made it clear that he wouldn’t even confer with the mayor, promising to deploy the National Guard until order was restored.
While violent crime rates decreased in most cities across America, Washington, D.C., became a national outlier. In 2023, the city witnessed its deadliest year in over two decades, with shootings, homicides, and carjackings soaring. Neighborhoods that were once considered safe, such as the downtown area, have now been affected by this wave of violence, leaving many longtime residents feeling unsafe.
Headlines are rife with stories of residents being shot in prominent locations like DuPont Circle, Metro stations, outside Nationals Park, and even while walking home from work. These incidents have been seized upon by Trump, Republicans in Congress, and conservative media outlets to accuse the Democratic Party of being soft on crime and call for increased federal oversight.
However, some advocates believe that the city needs more autonomy to effectively tackle the crime problem. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton argued that Washington, D.C., requires better coordination between federal and local agencies, rather than less control. She fears that if Trump were to regain power, the city could lose much of the control it currently has.
What’s Behind the Crime Wave?
The causes of the crime surge in Washington, D.C., are multifaceted, and blame has been placed on various entities including the D.C. Council, the mayor, the police, prosecutors, and the courts. Bret Tolman, a former U.S. attorney, attributed the problem to Washington’s chief prosecutor, who he believes has been lenient in prosecuting cases. According to Tolman, enforcing the law is more critical than changing legislation or bringing in federal troops.
Last year, the D.C. Council faced criticism for passing a penal code reform that was deemed too lenient. However, Congress vetoed the law, emphasizing the need for Democrats to take a stronger stance on crime. The D.C. Council responded by passing emergency legislation to address the issue, making it easier for police to hold suspects before trial.
The Debate on Law & Order in D.C.
Trump’s attacks on Washington, D.C., resemble the long-standing criticisms levied by Republicans against major American cities. Despite decades of advocacy for D.C. statehood, the city remains under the control of the federal government, which has the power to revoke its governing abilities. Congress can nullify legislation passed by the D.C. Council and exerts control over the city’s budget. Additionally, the federal government manages most of the city’s parks and infrastructure.
The “Order” component of D.C.’s “Law & Order” is overseen by the federal government. The president appoints judges and the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, who handles both federal and local crimes. The local Attorney General focuses on juvenile prosecutions, but a federal agency supervises juveniles in the system.
Solving the Problem
Charles “Cully” Stimpson, a former prosecutor, believes that many of Washington’s problems can be resolved without compromising the city’s Democratic values. He suggests that enforcing the law is the key, regardless of political affiliation. U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves has faced criticism for declining to prosecute a significant number of arrests, leading to calls for a more robust approach. However, the U.S. attorney’s office has highlighted rising prosecution rates in recent months and the remediation of issues at the city’s crime lab.
The Metropolitan Police Department has seen a decline in arrests, with numbers dropping significantly during the pandemic. Efforts are underway to rebuild officers’ confidence and increase arrest rates under the leadership of Chief Pamela Smith.
While experts have differing opinions on how to address the crime problem, Eduardo Ferrer of Georgetown University’s Law School argues that Washington, D.C., needs more control, not less. He suggests that addressing the flow of illegal guns into the city should be a priority, rather than punishing the residents of D.C. for a problem imposed upon them.
In conclusion, as violent crime continues to plague Washington, D.C., Trump has vowed a “federal takeover” to restore safety and order. However, the city’s residents and advocates for autonomy believe that meaningful solutions should focus on coordination, law enforcement, and addressing the root causes of crime. Only time will tell how these complex issues will be resolved.
Source: NBC News