Calls D.C. Anti-Crime Effort a Victory That ‘Never Has to End’
Tom Howell, Jr. | September 2, 2025
(The Washington Times) — President Trump has a message for Democratic leaders in Los Angeles, Chicago and Baltimore: Be more like D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Mr. Trump praised Ms. Bowser on Monday, days after the Democratic mayor said a surge of federal law enforcement officers lowered crime.
“Wouldn’t it be nice to say that about Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and even the Crime Drenched City of Baltimore???” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social. “It can happen, and it can happen FAST! Work with us!!!”
Ms. Bowser has taken a cautious approach to Mr. Trump since the White House announced a National Guard troop deployment on Aug. 7 to enhance public safety in the nation’s capital.
The mayor said there had been an 87% drop in carjackings compared to the same period last year, and a 15% drop in crime overall since the surge.
“We greatly appreciate the surge of officers that enhance what [Metropolitan Police Department] has been able to do in this city,” Ms. Bowser said Wednesday.
At the same time, she criticized the deployment of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the National Guard deployment. She also said local authorities could bring down crime by hiring 500 more officers over the next few years.
Mr. Trump focused his Labor Day post on her positive reviews. He said Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker should strike a similar tone as Mr. Trump weighs a federal anti-crime presence in their cities.
Each leader is considered a possible contender in the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. Mr. Trump says their resistance to federal intervention will sink their approval ratings.
“Mayor Muriel Bowser of D.C. has become very popular because she worked with me and my great people in bringing CRIME down to virtually NOTHING in D.C.,” he posted.
Mr. Trump’s decision to surge federal officers and troops sparked concerns about the D.C. Home Rule Act, that 1973 federal law that granted self-determination over local affairs in the city.
Some federal patrols have been jeered, and one protester infamously threw a sandwich at them.
D.C. Council member Brianne Nadeau, Ward 1 Democrat, said the troop surge was nothing to celebrate.’
“DC is under siege by our own fed govt, w/ armed military patrolling our streets & masked agents scooping up neighbors & taking them away,” Ms. Nadeau posted on X. “Our residents are afraid, hesitant to go out & to work, angry that our limited autonomy is being eroded. There is nothing welcome about this.”
Ms. Bowser told reporters she had spoken to Mr. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi about the situation.
Mr. Trump is encouraging leaders to maintain a positive attitude about his plans. He also signaled the D.C. arrangement could be long-term.
“Congratulations to Mayor Muriel Bowser, but don’t go Woke on us,” he posted. “D.C. is a GIANT VICTORY that never has to end!!!”
