Emergency declared in Washington D.C, Trump signs orders to tackle crime cases
Washington, D.C: President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency in Washington, D.C., signing an executive order to address the city’s alarming rise in crime and violence.
The president said the growing wave of murders, robberies, car thefts, and terror-related threats is tarnishing the nation’s capital and putting both citizens and federal employees at risk. In 2024, the city’s homicide rate exceeded 27 per 100,000 residents, while car thefts tripled—making it one of the most dangerous cities in the United States.
“This is not just a local problem, it’s a national security issue,” Trump said, stressing that if federal workers and government buildings are unsafe, the whole country is in danger.
Under the emergency order, the Metropolitan Police Department will receive special powers and resources to protect federal buildings, national monuments, and other sensitive locations. The move comes after repeated concerns over the D.C. government’s inability to control crime.
Trump criticized the city’s leadership, saying their failure has forced the federal government to divert critical resources from other priorities. “Our capital must be a global symbol of strength—not a city known for chaos,” he said.
The decision was made under the District of Columbia Self-Government Act, which allows the president to take control of police resources when necessary. Attorney General oversight will ensure that the emergency measures are effective, with the option to end them once conditions improve.
