For too long, Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C., have prioritized criminals over law enforcement – and President Donald Trump is right to put an end to this and restore law and order.
Washington, D.C., serves as the heart of our national government and a global symbol of American democracy. Each year, millions of Americans, including thousands from Arkansas, visit the capital to experience the history, culture, and values that have shaped our nation for more than two centuries.
Visitors ascend the Lincoln Memorial steps, observe Congress in session in the House and Senate galleries, explore our nation’s history at the Smithsonian museums, admire the grounds around the White House, and honor those who served at Arlington National Cemetery.
Every American deserves the opportunity to visit Washington safely, whether for business, vacation, or civic engagement. Sadly, in recent years, crime and violence have made that increasingly difficult.
In 2024, D.C. recorded some of the highest robbery and murder rates among large U.S. cities. It also leads the nation in vehicle thefts and ranks among the top 20% of the world’s most dangerous cities.
Staff in my Washington office have been victims of violent crime, and other congressional offices have faced similar tragedies. Earlier this summer, 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was tragically killed in northwest D.C.
Eric, like many young interns, came to the capital to build a career. Every student should have that opportunity safely. When I host onboarding briefings for college interns, I regretfully have to warn them to remain cautious while walking with headphones, commuting with laptops, or running downtown.
This troubling situation is the result of decades of Democratic policies in D.C. that have been soft on crime, empowering criminals at the expense of law-abiding residents and visitors. From cashless bail to judges allowing juvenile gangs to roam freely, the city’s leadership has created what President Trump rightly calls a “dire public safety crisis.”
The radical left may claim crime is decreasing in D.C., but this ignores crimes that go unreported or intentionally covered up.
The underlying problem is consistent in left-controlled jurisdictions. Many Democratic leaders view violent criminals as victims of society, believing programs like midnight basketball games or ice cream socials can transform them into law-abiding citizens.
This misguided approach fuels Soros-backed prosecutors, lenient laws, and policies that let violent juveniles escape accountability. The result: countless murders and large areas of cities, including D.C., becoming no-go zones for law-abiding citizens.
At Monday’s White House press conference, President Trump announced plans to restore law and order in Washington, D.C.—an action well within his presidential authority.
Washington, D.C., is a federal city under exclusive federal jurisdiction. The Founding Fathers designed it this way to ensure the federal government could maintain safety and security for its employees, residents, and visitors.
I am working with President Trump and Republican colleagues to combat crime in the capital and nationwide. This Congress, I have sponsored and cosponsored multiple bills aimed at reducing crime and protecting communities.
For instance, I sponsored the Prohibiting Encampments on Public Grounds Act to clean up public parks in D.C. I also cosponsored the Restoring Armed Career Criminal Act to strengthen punishments for violent repeat offenders.
I commend President Trump and his administration for taking a firm stance against criminals, thugs, and drug dealers in our nation’s capital. It is time to restore law and order in Washington, D.C.
