On Tuesday, August 5, President Trump stated that he would terminate the autonomy of the capital if Washington D.C. does not crack down on juvenile crime significantly.
Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, “The criminal activities in Washington D.C. have completely spiraled out of control. Local ‘young people’ and gang members – some as young as 14, 15, 16 years old – are rampantly attacking, robbing, injuring, and shooting innocent citizens, knowing full well that they will be released almost immediately.”
Trump issued a warning that a change must happen now.
He mentioned that these minors have no fear of law enforcement as they know nothing will happen to them.
The President urged for the modification of laws in Washington D.C., suggesting that these underage individuals should be prosecuted as adults and the age limit for long-term imprisonment should be lowered.
“The recent victims suffered merciless beatings by local thugs. Washington D.C. must remain safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and the world to see,” he wrote.
“If Washington D.C. does not swiftly take action, we will have no choice but to transfer control of this city to the federal government to manage it in the way it should be managed, warning criminals that they will no longer be able to evade justice,” the President added.
“Perhaps this should have been done sooner so that this remarkable young person, along with many others, would not have to experience the terror of violent crimes. If this situation persists, I will exercise my power to federalize this city. Let America be great again!” he concluded, along with a photo of a victim.
The President publicly mentioned during a July cabinet meeting that the federal government is considering taking over the governance of the capital Washington D.C. to assist in combating crime. This move would profoundly change the autonomous system that Washington D.C. has held for half a century.
Trump revealed that White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles is in close contact with elected Mayor and Democratic Party member Muriel Bowser.
Bowser established closer ties with the White House during Trump’s second term. Apart from personal visits to the White House, she also agreed to the construction of a new sports stadium for the National Football League team near the Anacostia River and the removal of the “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) Plaza near the White House.
Legislation passed in 1973 granted residents of Washington D.C. the right to elect their local government, but Congress retains the authority to review local laws and city budgets. The residents of the capital do not have representation in Congress.