President Donald Trump has started a major crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., and says more cities could be next.
On Monday, hundreds of National Guard troops were sent to the nation’s capital. Within hours, dozens of people were arrested. Trump called the operation “Liberation Day” and said his goal was to “take back the capital” from crime, drugs, and homelessness.
The president said D.C. had been “taken over by violent gangs” and “drugged out maniacs.” He named Los Angeles, Baltimore, Oakland, New York City, and Chicago as other cities in “very bad” condition that could face similar actions.
“We’re not going to lose our cities over this,” Trump said. “We’re starting strong with D.C., and we’re going to clean it up fast.”
Democratic leaders criticized the move, arguing that crime is already going down in many places. Baltimore’s mayor said his city is the safest it has been in 50 years, with homicides down 28% this year. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker told Trump he has “no authority” to take over Chicago.
In the past, Trump has sent federal forces to cities during protests, including Los Angeles earlier this year after demonstrations over immigration policy.
Some locals in D.C. say they’ve experienced crime firsthand and welcome the extra security. ABC News anchor Kyra Phillips shared that she was attacked while walking to work, and said crime is still a daily problem for many.
Still, national data shows crime is down in most major cities:
- Oakland: violent crime down 19% since 2023
- Chicago: overall crime down 15%, murders down 37%
- Baltimore: violent crime down 17%, murders down 27%
- New York City: crime down 3% in 2024
- Los Angeles: murders down 14%, shootings down 19%
Trump says D.C. is only the beginning, and that his plan could expand to other cities if needed.
