It is not only the center of power in America, but the eyes of the whole world are always fixed here. This is the place where the Congress, White House, Supreme Court and foreign embassies are present. But among all these, this city has another identity – its crime rate. This has been a matter of concern for a long time.
Recently, former President Donald Trump declared “victory” in Washington DC. He says that ever since he did a federal takeover of the Metro Police and deployed the National Guard, crime in the city has reduced significantly and now it is safer than ever.
But the question is what statistics did Trump present, how much impact did the federal intervention have and how practical is his new dream – to build a grand ballroom in the White House – and how much will it cost.
Trump’s claims: Big drop in crime
Trump said in his speech:
“Crime figures have come down so fast that it is hard to believe. But it is true. The results are amazing and now this city has completely changed.”
According to him, these results have come out with the help of National Guard and federal agencies:
- Carjackings decreased by 83%
- Robbery decreased by 46%
- Vehicle theft decreased by 21%
- Overall violent crimes decreased by 22%
He shared these figures quoting the police union.
Did this drop really come because of federal action?
It is worth noting here that Trump deployed 800 National Guard soldiers in Washington DC on August 11. They were deployed at National Mall, Union Station and crowded metro stations. Their purpose was to provide direct assistance to the police and create fear among criminals.
But statistics show that the decline in crime had already begun.
For example:
- By August 2025, violent crime had already decreased by 26% compared to 2024.
This means that the reduction in crime rates was not just due to federal action, but was part of an already ongoing trend.
Washington DC crime reality
It must be admitted that Washington DC has never been considered one of the safest cities in the US.
Statistics show that in 2024 there were 27.3 murders per 100,000 people, making it the fourth most dangerous city in the country.
Only St. Louis, New Orleans and Detroit were above it.
Local newspapers often report that:
- Thefts and robberies are common in tourist areas.
- Many residents report that standing alone at a subway station at night does not feel safe.
These circumstances were putting pressure on the government to take immediate action.
Federal intervention and its impact
When Trump brought in federal agencies, not just the National Guard but also the:
- FBI
- U.S. Marshals
- Park Police
were involved. It became a giant network aimed at securing the capital.
Public opinion is divided
- Trump supporters say his actions have reduced crime and made the city safer.
- Opponents say it undermines the democratic structure because policing is the job of local government, not the federal government.
“The city feels different now”
Trump said Washington DC now feels like a completely different city than before.
According to him:
- People can now walk here with their families.
- Commuters at Union Station feel relieved due to the presence of security forces.
- Traffic patrols are constantly seen on the National Mall, which has increased the confidence of tourists.
Expense and politics
Federal intervention does not come for free.
Deployment of each soldier, their boarding and lodging expenses, vehicles and weapons arrangements—all this costs millions of dollars.
Trump said clearly that he will ask Congress for budget for this.
He also promised to give a new look to the city’s streets, sidewalks and public spaces.
In his words:
“Graffiti is being removed rapidly and we will also make new roads and medians.”
Dream of White House ballroom
Along with the announcement of reducing crime, Trump also shared a new dream of his – to build a grand 90,000 square foot ballroom in the White House.
He says:
- Presidents have wanted this for the last 150 years, but have never been able to fulfill it.
He joked:
“There was no president with real estate among them. I have built many ballrooms, and this will be the most luxurious.”
How much will it cost?
According to experts, it is not easy to build such a large structure in a historic and secure building like the White House.
The rules related to architecture, security and heritage law are a big challenge in this.
- The cost of such a project can reach billions of dollars.
- Critics say that spending so much money on a ballroom when the country is going through economic challenges is not in the public interest.
Effect on the public
Ultimately, the most important question is this – what effect did this have on ordinary citizens?
Positive effect
- People now say that tourist places feel more secure.
- Local shopkeepers say that business has also improved due to increased security.
Negative effect
- Some residents say that the heavy military presence makes them uncomfortable.
- They feel as if they are living in a war zone.
Conclusion
Trump claims that Washington DC is now safe and this is his victory. Statistics support this claim to some extent, but it is also true that the crime rate was already decreasing.