On Sunday morning, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser went on MSNBC’s The Weekend to respond to President Donald Trump’s recent comments about crime in the nation’s capital.
President Trump has ordered more federal law enforcement in D.C. and said he plans to make a big announcement Monday to “stop violent crime.” On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed D.C. is “one of the most dangerous cities in the world” but promised it would soon become “one of the safest.”
Bowser disagreed, saying, “We are not experiencing a crime spike.” She pointed out that violent crime in D.C. is down 26% so far in 2025 — the lowest it’s been in 30 years.
The mayor said she has spoken with Trump several times about crime, including during her first meeting with him after he started his second term. She acknowledged that the president has the authority to send federal officers or even the National Guard, but she questioned whether using the Guard is the best choice.
“They’re not law enforcement officials,” Bowser said. “They’re men and women who leave their families to serve our country, and enforcing local laws is not their main job.”
Trump has also said he wants D.C.’s homeless population to “move out immediately,” offering housing “far from the Capital.” Bowser argued that homelessness is not as bad as it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and that comparisons to war zones are “false.”
The mayor added that while she is willing to work with Trump, the city needs more from the federal government — like additional prosecutors, judges, and a rebuilt jail — not just a show of force.
The White House has not shared details about Monday’s announcement, and it is unclear if reporters will be able to attend.
