By Craig J. DeLuz | Special to California Black Media Partners | California Black Media
President Trump’s recent announcement regarding federal control of the Washington, D.C. police force is a bold and necessary step toward confronting the rampant crime that has plagued our nation’s capital for years. This decision resonates strongly, especially in light of the ever-mounting statistics that tell a grim tale of safety in the District. The persistent narrative attempting to downplay the crime crisis in D.C. must be challenged, as doing so is irrelevant to pursuing real solutions.
President Trump acknowledged a longstanding problem and took action to address it.
For years, D.C. has wrestled with a heinous crime rate. In 2023 alone, the city recorded 200 homicides at its fastest pace ever, leading to an alarming murder rate that surpasses even that of cities like Bogotá, Colombia and Mexico City, Mexico – Latin American capitals notorious for their violence. The statistics are damning: the number of car thefts has doubled, while carjackings have more than tripled in just five years. These figures paint a plain picture of reality, contradicting claims from local officials who have, time and again, insisted that everything is “just fine.” This level of denial, akin to sticking one’s head in the sand, and it does not pave a path to real solutions. It only fosters a dangerous environment in which citizens feel less secure.
President Trump has invoked the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, asserting his constitutional authority — something very much in line with the founding principles that establish congressional oversight over the nation’s capital. By mobilizing 800 members of the National Guard to rein in crime, he is not only prioritizing public safety but also challenging the status quo that has allowed D.C. to spiral into lawlessness.
The President’s concern for safety is echoed in a recent Washington Post poll, which reveals that Black and low-income residents of D.C. are particularly alarmed about the rising crime rates, highlighting a troubling disconnect between prevailing political narratives and the lived experiences of vulnerable communities.
The D.C. Police Union has voiced unanimous support for federal intervention, acknowledging that crime is out of control and that local policies have hindered effective law enforcement.
This highlights a crucial point: when local governments lean on self-serving narratives — like blaming statehood or historical injustices instead of tackling crime head-on– they only deepen public fear. Ignoring worsening conditions while reportedly understating some crime statistics to paint a more up-looking picture is not leadership; it’s a betrayal of public trust.
President Trump’s strategy — to increase police presence and reshape law enforcement authority — is reminiscent of practical measures that stemmed from the “Broken Windows Theory,” which posits that addressing small problems can prevent larger ones from manifesting. The idea is straightforward: if the community can see that law enforcement is actively engaged, the likelihood of crime decreases. This concept has been proven time and again in other cities, where policing strategies that insist on accountability and visible enforcement lead to substantial drops in criminal behavior.
Critics, particularly from the political left, have decried these measures as heavy-handed or racially motivated. Yet, to claim that the administration’s focus on cracking down on crime is rooted in racism is to completely sidestep the reality of the issue. Crime should be colorblind in its consequences; however, it is a troubling fact that people of color are disproportionately the victims of violent crime in D.C, as well as nationwide. There is a clear expectation across all demographics that communities should be safe, and that regardless of one’s political beliefs, no one wants to fall victim to crime. President Trump succinctly addressed this in his remarks, stating, “even if you’re a liberal, you might not want people to be murdered on the streets.” This acknowledgment transcends political ideologies and strikes at the heart of what many citizens desire: safety, order, and the opportunity to thrive without fear.
As support swells for Trump’s tough-on-crime approach, it underscores a critical realization: that effective governance demands a firm hand when dealing with the chaos that unchecked crime brings to our communities. If those in power wish to rebuild the fabric of trust in law enforcement, they must stop with the bureaucratic deflections and begin tackling the issues head-on. Milking political narratives to safeguard political stature ultimately harms the very constituents they purport to represent.
President Trump’s decisive action to reclaim control over the policing of Washington, D.C. deserves acknowledgment and support. It is a response based on hard truths, action, and a clear message: safety and well-being cannot wait for the next convenient political cycle. As the President suggested, “we want our Capitol back,” and that means stepping up, confronting the pressing issues at hand, and refusing to accept a narrative of complacency when real-world dangers lurk just outside our doors. Only through leadership that prioritizes immediate and tangible responses can we hope to see a decline in crime and a restoration of peace in our nation’s capital.
About the Author
Craig J. DeLuz has almost 30 years of experience in public policy and advocacy. He currently hosts a daily news and commentary show called “The RUNDOWN.” You can follow him on X at @CraigDeLuz.
