Bowser Admits Trump’s Federal Takeover of D.C. Slashed Crime: ‘Extreme Reduction’ in Carjackings, Gun Violence

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged on Wednesday that crime in the nation’s capital has seen a dramatic drop since President Donald Trump’s emergency federal intervention in early August.

At a press conference, Bowser credited the influx of federal law enforcement with making the streets safer — a shift that comes after years of surging crime under local leadership.

Mayor Bows to Results of Trump-Led Crackdown

“We think having more federal law enforcement officers on the street has worked,” Bowser said. “We’re seeing more illegal guns taken off the streets, more stops, and more accountability — or at least perceived accountability — that is changing behavior.”

She highlighted a significant decline in violent crime, including a major drop in gun incidents and homicides. But the most eye-popping reduction was in carjackings, which she described as “the most troubling” crime category for the city in 2023.

Carjackings Plunge 87% Under Trump’s Control

During the federal surge, carjackings have plummeted by 87% compared to the same period last year. “We know when carjackings go down, when gun crime goes down, and when robbery goes down, our neighborhoods feel safer — and are safer,” said Bowser.

The mayor has reportedly expressed interest in continuing coordination with the federal government once Trump’s 30-day emergency order expires.

Over 1,000 Arrested, Including Illegal Immigrant Gang Members

Since the takeover, over 1,000 individuals have been arrested across the city. According to law enforcement sources, many of those arrested are illegal immigrants, with some linked to violent gangs including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

More than 100 firearms have been seized, and numerous homeless encampments have been cleared, in what the Trump administration has described as a broader effort to “restore safety and beauty” to the capital.

Bowser Pushes Back on Immigration Enforcement, Warns of “Trust Gap”

Despite acknowledging the success of the crackdown, Bowser did criticize the presence of immigration enforcement officers, calling them “unnecessary” and “a waste of resources.” She warned of a “break in trust” between federal officers and D.C. residents.

Still, the mayor conceded the broader results were undeniable: violent crime has dropped sharply, and D.C.’s most vulnerable neighborhoods are already seeing the effects of restored law and order.