❓WHAT HAPPENED: Violent crime in Washington, D.C., has decreased by nearly half since President Donald J. Trump deployed federal troops and law enforcement agents in the city.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, federal law enforcement agents, the National Guard, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
📍WHEN & WHERE: Washington, D.C., from August 7 through August 25, 2025.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals—over 1,000.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: More than 1,094 arrests have been made, including MS-13 and Tren de Aragua gang members, and significant reductions in violent crime and burglaries have been reported.
Over the three weeks since President Donald J. Trump federalized Washington, D.C. law enforcement and deployed federal agents and troops to restore order, violent crime has reportedly dropped by nearly 50 percent, based on a CBS News analysis of crime data.
The analysis examined incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) from August 7 to August 25, revealing a notable decline in violent crime compared to the same period in 2024 and the five-year average. Burglaries have decreased by 48 percent, and car thefts have dropped by 36 percent.
Contrary to some corporate media reports, federal forces have focused on high-crime areas, such as U Street, NW, where gun crimes were well above the citywide average, with the National Guard providing a deterrent present at locations such as subway stations. The White House has reported over 1,094 arrests since the operation started, including eight gang members affiliated with MS-13 or Tren de Aragua, and the seizure of 115 firearms.
On August 25 alone, 87 arrests were made, including 39 illegal immigrants. Notably, D.C.’s sanctuary policies protecting illegals have been suspended since federalization.
President Trump commented on the effort, saying, “Crime in D.C., was the worst ever in history. And now, over the last 13 days, we’ve worked so hard, we’ve taken so many. There are many left, but we’ve taken so many criminals – over 1,000.” He also called D.C.’s crime data “phony,” likely referring to reports from police unions that senior officers are deliberately misclassifying crimes. At least one police commander is currently facing charges for allegedly doctoring statistics.
Federal forces are also aiding “beautification” projects in D.C., with at least 49 homeless encampments being cleared.
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