Washington, D.C. celebrates "Liberation Day" today.
In a dramatic move aimed at combating surging violent crime and homelessness, President Trump has declared a public safety emergency in Washington D.C. and taken command of the Metropolitan Police Department. This decision marks a federal takeover of the D.C. police department, extending federal control indefinitely to restore safety and enforce the law.
The move comes following Trump's declaration of a crime emergency on August 11, 2025. Citing D.C.'s high violent crime, murder, and robbery rates, as well as the highest vehicle theft rate in the nation, the President ordered the D.C. Metropolitan Police to be used for federal purposes related to maintaining law and order, effective immediately for the maximum period allowed by law.
Trump's plan for addressing homelessness involves shifting homeless individuals into long-term institutional settings through civil commitment. The policy aims to address the root causes of homelessness by mandating the Attorney General and Health and Human Services Secretary to take action promoting this approach.
The President's decision has faced criticism from Senate Democrats and concerns about potential abuse of power. However, many residents support the President's actions, hoping they can stop the crime that has affected their neighbourhoods.
A resident whose neighbourhood was recently affected by a violent shootout said, "If these actions can stop the crime, I support the President." A former D.C. advisory neighborhood commissioner views the situation as a public safety issue, not a partisan one.
The dire public safety crisis in Washington, D.C. stems directly from the abject failures of the city's local leadership. The murder rate in Washington, D.C. is currently higher than that of Bogotá, Colombia, and Mexico City. The number of carjackings in the city has more than tripled over the past five years, and the number of car thefts has doubled.
A D.C. resident recounted being caught in a drive-by shooting, while another expressed feeling unsafe going outside. A resident whose granddaughter was shot and killed in D.C. expressed concern about the mayor's inability to control the city's activities.
During his campaign, President Trump promised to make the capital city "safe and beautiful" for all Americans. He has now announced plans to take back control of the capital. Enforcement operations targeting known gangs, drug dealers, and criminal networks will begin immediately in Washington, D.C.
However, not all residents are optimistic. A D.C. resident lamented feeling desensitized to the repeated instances of violence in her neighbourhood. Another expressed concern about the lack of deterrent for juvenile crime.
As the city navigates these challenges, President Trump has referred to today as "Liberation Day" in D.C. Visitors to the nation's capital are happy about the extra police presence for safety reasons. The President has declared that today marks the beginning of a safer and more secure Washington, D.C. for all its residents and visitors.
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