The capital of America, Washington DC, has always been in the eyes of the world. It is not just a city but a symbol of American democracy. Every year millions of tourists come here, Congress debates take place here and it is from here that the world’s biggest power decides its policies. But in the last few years, this capital has been in the news due to constant reports of crime, violence and insecurity. Cases like carjacking, robbery, shooting and murder were becoming common.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump took a big step to “save” the capital. On August 11, 2025, he announced the deployment of 800 National Guard soldiers in Washington DC. Along with this, he took the Metro Police directly under federal control. He said that this city is now surrounded by ‘crime, bloodshed, anarchy and filth’ and it is necessary to save it.
Trump’s Visit and Meeting with Police Officers
On August 21, Donald Trump visited the United States Park Police Facility in Anacostia Park, Washington DC. Here he met the National Guard, FBI, US Marshals and local police officers. Trump, in his political style, often adopts simple methods to encourage people. This time too, he fed burgers and pizza to the officers and said –
“The numbers are coming down like we never thought. This place looks like a different city now. I feel very safe now.”
This comment of Trump immediately made headlines in the media. He credited himself with victory over crime and called it a historic step.
Crime Decline: Is It Just Trump’s Effect?
The Trump administration claimed that the crime rate has decreased tremendously after the deployment of the National Guard. According to them, in the last seven days:
- Carjackings decreased by 83%
- Robberies decreased by 46%
- Car thefts decreased by 21%
- Overall violent crimes decreased by 22%
These figures were given by the police union. This change was surprising on the face of it, but the question arises whether this decrease in crime was only a result of Trump’s action?
The reality is that by August 8, 2025, violent crimes had already decreased by 26% compared to the previous year. That is, the crime rate was already falling. This means that the entire story of the decline in crime was not based only on Trump’s deployment.
However, it is also worth noting that Washington DC is still among the most dangerous cities in America. In 2024, 27.3 murders were recorded here per 100,000 people, which puts it at number four after St. Louis, New Orleans and Detroit.
Federal Intervention: Welcome or Criticism?
While some people found Trump’s move courageous and necessary, many consider it federal overreach.
Supporters’ Argument
- They say that it is the President’s responsibility to make the capital safe.
- Washington DC should be safe for tourists and foreign leaders.
Critics’ Argument
- Taking local police under federal control is against the democratic process.
- It hurts the independence of local administration.
The debate continues even today whether local-level reforms or strict federal intervention are more effective in curbing crime.
Trump’s Style: From Speech to Ballroom
Trump doesn’t just talk about law and order. He always says something that attracts the attention of the public and the media. This time too, he suddenly moved away from the discussion of capital’s security and presented a plan to build a new 90,000 square feet ballroom in the White House.
He jokingly said –
“For 150 years everybody wanted a ballroom, but they didn’t have a president with real estate. I’ve built many ballrooms and this will be the best one.”
This statement clearly shows Trump’s political style. He always says something in the midst of serious issues that diverts the media’s attention and brings him back into the limelight.
Public Experience and Reality of Security
Some people really believed that the atmosphere has changed after the deployment of troops. Especially the increased police presence in tourist areas and metro stations made people feel psychologically safe.
However, many locals say that the real problem will not be solved by police presence alone. Unemployment, drug addiction, deteriorating social structure and lack of education are the roots of crime. Unless these issues are worked upon, the problem of crime will only reduce temporarily.
Trump’s Strategy: Political Move or Security Improvement?
Many analysts believe that Trump’s move is directly related to politics. With the 2024 elections and ongoing lawsuits looming, he needed an issue that would present him as the protector of “law and order.”
According to supporters, Trump’s strategy is working. The crime reduction statistics strengthen his argument and send a message to the public that he is a leader who takes action.
Result: Is DC Really Safe?
The question is, is the capital really safe now?
- Statistics show that crime has decreased, but this was happening even before Trump.
- There has been some change in the public mindset as soldiers and police are seen everywhere.
- But in the long run, security will be guaranteed only when social problems are worked upon.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s visit to Washington DC is a sign of a federal crisis. The intervention is a new chapter in American politics. This move shows that he always takes big and shocking decisions. He took credit for curbing crime and also strengthened his identity with plans like building a ballroom.
But the real question is whether the security of the capital will improve permanently or was it just a political performance. The answer will be known in the coming months.