In a bid to fulfill his long-standing campaign promise, President Donald J. Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at reinstating law and order in Washington, D.C. This initiative seeks to address what he has described as an overwhelming crime crisis, with the goal of transforming the nation’s capital from a “nightmare of murder and crime” into a beacon of safety and beauty.
President Trump has made this promise no fewer than 20 times:
- January 19, 2025: “We will restore our once-glorious cities, including Washington, D.C., making them safe, clean, and beautiful again — ensuring that no one visits the capital only to face the threat of muggings or worse. Law enforcement is capable here, but they must be empowered to do their jobs. We’re committed to cleaning up and beautifying this city, aiming for it to be recognized as the most stunning capital in the world.”
- November 4, 2024: “We will revitalize our cities — including our capital in Washington, D.C. — focusing on safety, cleanliness, and aesthetics.”
- October 30, 2024: “We will rejuvenate our cities — including Washington, D.C., which is in dire need of attention — making them safe, clean, and beautiful once more.”
- October 22, 2024: “The primary issue with Washington, D.C. is its danger. We are determined to clean it up and restore its greatness, allowing visitors to safely enjoy landmarks like the Washington Monument and the memorials to Honest Abe and Thomas Jefferson.”
- August 19, 2024: “No one should fear being mugged, shot, or worse in our capital, which has fallen into disrepair. It’s poorly managed, covered in graffiti, and we intend to address these issues swiftly and beautifully, aspiring to make it the most stunning capital in the world — and completely safe.”
- August 3, 2024: “We will seize control of our mismanaged capital, Washington, D.C., cleaning it up, renovating, and transforming it from a nightmare of violence into a safe haven.”
- July 9, 2024: “We will take charge of our mismanaged capital, Washington, D.C., cleaning it up, renovating it, and ensuring it becomes the most beautiful capital in the world. We’ll do this with a firm and intelligent approach.”
- June 18, 2024: “We will take over Washington, D.C., which is poorly managed, and clean it up, renovate it, and restore its status as a great capital. The current situation is intolerable.”
- May 18, 2024: “We will take control of our mismanaged capital, Washington, D.C., now deemed a murder capital, and renovate it into the most beautiful capital worldwide.”
- March 2, 2024: “We will take control of Washington, D.C., cleaning it up and eliminating slums — transforming it from a nightmare of violence into the most beautiful capital in the world.”
- January 27, 2024: “We will assume control of Washington, D.C., and restore it from a nightmare of violence to a stunning capital. Our approach will include the toughest law enforcement measures in the nation.”
- January 20, 2024: “We will take charge of our mismanaged capital, Washington, D.C., ensuring it becomes a unique and well-run city.”
- January 17, 2024: “We will clean up Washington, D.C., establishing it as a crime-free zone. We will implement laws and take control, ensuring safety and beauty.”
- January 5, 2024: “We will federalize Washington, D.C., a place where violence is rampant and safety is a distant memory. Our goal is a secure, beautiful capital.”
- October 31, 2023: “Our once-majestic capital has devolved into a crime-ridden maze that requires federal oversight. This will be a central theme of my campaign: restoring safety and beauty to Washington, D.C.”
- September 15, 2023: “Washington is plagued by serious crime, and we will address this with federal intervention. Our aim is to restore safety and proper governance here.”
- June 7, 2023: “We’re set to federalize D.C., which has become a realm of danger. Our aim is to ensure that visitors feel secure in the capital.”
- April 18, 2023: “Our cities are plagued by homelessness and crime, and we will restore them to livable and beautiful places.”
- March 4, 2023: “We will tackle juvenile crime head-on and address the issue of homelessness in our cities, advocating for federal oversight of Washington, D.C. — a project long overdue.”
- February 20, 2023: “In cities where law and order have broken down, I will not hesitate to deploy federal assets, including the National Guard, to restore safety.”
