Billionaire Elon Musk said Tuesday that it’s “time to federalize DC” after President Donald Trump suggested the same threat while spotlighting a recent crime in Washington that allegedly involved a member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Musk posted on X, “A few days ago, a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC. A @Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her. It is time to federalize DC.”
Earlier Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social, that he would “federalize this city” while talking about crime in the nation’s capital. He also included a photo of the alleged DOGE worker, who was cut, bruised and bloodied and sitting beside a white van.
Newsweek has reached out to D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser on Tuesday afternoon via email for comment.
The president posted, in part, “The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs. Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see. If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore.”
Trump continued, “Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers and FEDERALIZE this City. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Why It Matters
The comments come as the administration debates how far it can go to exert control over cities struggling with crime, homelessness and political infighting. The prospect of federal intervention in D.C., which has operated under limited home rule since 1973, would mark a dramatic departure from decades of precedent.
Under the Home Rule Act, the District maintains its own local government, but Congress retains ultimate authority and can overrule local laws. Trump, however, framed his remarks as a potential solution to rising crime rates and what he described as a failure of local leadership.
What to Know
During last month’s cabinet meeting, Trump said the White House has “tremendous power” to run U.S. cities “when we have to” in response to a question about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist.
At the same cabinet meeting, Trump suggested that his team is already weighing a plan to assume direct control over Washington, D.C., citing dissatisfaction with local governance.
“We could run D.C. I mean, we’re looking at D.C.,” he said, as quoted by Bloomberg. “We’re thinking about doing it, to be honest with you. We want a capital that’s run flawlessly.”
Trump also said last month that his administration was still attempting to work with Bowser, the Democratic D.C. mayor, but left open the option of unilateral action.
“We’ve had a good relationship with the [Washington D.C.] mayor, and we’re testing it to see if it works.”
Washington DC Violent Crime Stats
Violent crime in the nation’s capital fell 35 percent in 2024, reaching its lowest level in more than 30 years, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Homicides dropped 32 percent; robberies fell 39 percent and armed carjackings plunged 53 percent. But Metropolitan Police Department data shows troubling signs in 2025, with 20 killings in May alone, bringing the year’s total to 69 — nearly matching the pace of last year. Community leaders warn that while overall crime is down, deadly incidents remain a persistent problem in some neighborhoods.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump hold a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House May 30, 2025.
Elon Musk and President Donald Trump hold a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House May 30, 2025.
Associated Press
What People Are Saying
The president also referenced the incident during his remarks on Tuesday at the White House: “Somebody from DOGE was very badly hurt last night. A young man who was beat up by a bunch of thugs from DC. They’re either going to straighten their act out, in terms of government and protection, or we’re going to have to federalize and run it the way it’s supposed to be run.”
Social media personality Brian Krassenstein posted on X, “BREAKING: Trump claims he will Federalize Washington D.C because of the rising crime rates: FACT: Over the past 15 years, Washington, D.C.’s violent crime rate has significantly declined, especially since its mid‑2010s peak.”
Update: 8/5/25, 6:06 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 8/5/25, 7:03 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.