WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at increasing law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., tightening pre-trial detention policies, and expediting concealed carry permits for residents who meet legal requirements.
The order establishes a task force designed to deploy additional law enforcement personnel to the nation’s capital while also addressing fare evasion on public transit. Additionally, it calls for stricter measures against undocumented immigrants in the city.
Crime Trends in Washington, D.C.
Despite Trump’s push for tougher measures, crime in Washington, D.C., has been declining. Data from the D.C. Police Department shows:
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Violent crime fell by 35% in 2024 compared to 2023.
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Overall crime dropped by 15% in 2024 year-over-year.
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In early 2025, violent crime was 27% lower than in 2024, while overall crime decreased by 9%.
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However, homicides saw an 11% increase in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to The Washington Post.
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Trump’s Vision for the Capital
According to a White House fact sheet, Trump’s goal is to restore Washington, D.C., as a model city for the nation. The president has frequently voiced concerns about crime, homelessness, and the condition of public spaces in the capital.
His order also calls for addressing homeless encampments, an issue that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has already been working on. In a recent NPR interview, Bowser pushed back on Trump’s stance, arguing that eliminating homelessness requires investment in housing and social services, not just removals.
Changes to Concealed Carry Permits
One of the most controversial aspects of the executive order is Trump’s plan to accelerate the process for law-abiding citizens to obtain concealed carry permits. However, specific details on how this would be implemented remain unclear.
Currently, D.C. law allows both residents and non-residents who are at least 21 years old and have completed a firearms training course to apply for a concealed carry license.
Pushback from Local Leaders
Mayor Bowser also criticized the Trump administration for federal workforce cuts that have impacted Washington, D.C.’s economy.
“You don’t make a city more vibrant by gutting its workforce or leaving office buildings vacant,” Bowser said. “The federal government should be investing in Washington, not undermining it.”
Trump’s law enforcement surge and policy changes are expected to face resistance from D.C. officials and advocacy groups, setting up a potential political battle over the future of public safety in the nation’s capital.