Washington, D.C.’s Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser is under fire for a stunning reversal on President Trump’s bold anti-crime crackdown in the nation’s capital.
Just hours after publicly praising Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to combat the city’s skyrocketing violent crime, Bowser pivoted — urging residents to “protect our city’s autonomy” and labeling the president’s decisive action an “authoritarian push.”
Speaking at a Tuesday night town hall, Bowser told supporters:
“We all need to do what we can… to protect our Home Rule, to get past this guy, and to elect a Democratic House as a backstop.”
The comments sharply contradicted her earlier statements to MSNBC, when she pledged to work “cooperatively” with the Trump administration to restore safety to D.C.’s neighborhoods.
Trump’s Crime Crackdown in Action
President Trump’s plan brings an unprecedented show of force to the capital. Under his order, the Metropolitan Police Department is reinforced by:
- Border Patrol agents
- FBI task forces
- DEA narcotics units
- U.S. Park Police patrols
- Up to 800 National Guard troops
On Tuesday, Humvees were spotted near the Washington Monument as the operation began. A Department of Defense official confirmed that while only a fraction of the Guard has been deployed, more are arriving in the coming days.
D.C.’s Crime Crisis in Numbers
The need for action is undeniable. In 2024, Washington, D.C. recorded the 4th biggest homicide rate in the nation — 27.3 murders per 100,000 residents:
- 6x higher than New York City’s murder rate
- Nearly 4x higher than Los Angeles
- Among the most dangerous cities in America
For many residents, Trump’s move to federalize the city’s 3,400-officer police force and bring in federal agents is a long-overdue lifeline after years of failed Democrat leadership.
Bowser Downplays Trump’s Efforts
Despite the urgency, Bowser is now claiming most of the federal reinforcements will be restricted to federal properties — such as monuments, parks, and government buildings — dismissing the broader benefits to public safety.
Her reversal has left many questioning whether politics is taking priority over protecting D.C. residents.
Bottom Line:
While violent crime continues to plague Washington, President Trump is taking unprecedented action to restore order. Mayor Bowser’s political flip-flop may please her party’s base — but it risks alienating residents desperate for safer streets.