During a visit to a US Park Police facility on Thursday, former President Donald Trump boasted about his administration’s efforts to combat crime in Washington DC, while also announcing plans to revitalize the city’s parks. The visit, which took place at the Park Police’s Anacostia station, was intended to highlight Trump’s crime crackdown in the capital.
Flanked by key figures such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Interior Secretary Doug Bergum, Trump declared his administration’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department a success. He claimed that people were dining out again, despite reports from restaurants indicating a decline in reservations.
Revamping DC’s Green Spaces
Trump also unveiled his ambition to transform Washington DC’s parks, drawing on his experience with golf courses. “One of the things we are going to be redoing is your parks. I’m very good at grass, because I have a lot of golf courses all over the place,” Trump told officers. He promised new grass and sprinkler systems, likening the future appearance of DC parks to prestigious golf venues.
“We’re going to have all brand-new, beautiful grass. You know, like everything else, grass has a life. Do you know that? Grass has a life. You know, we have a life, and grass has a life. And the grass here died about 40 years ago,” Trump added.
This announcement comes as part of a broader initiative to clean up the nation’s capital, which Trump has often criticized for its perceived crime issues. His remarks, however, touched on various unrelated topics, including a recent legal victory where a New York state appeals court dismissed a $500 million judgment against him in a civil fraud case.
Crime Crackdown and Federal Control
The visit follows a recent tour by Defense Secretary JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who pledged to expand the crime crackdown. Their impromptu stop at a Shake Shack in Union Station was met with public disapproval, highlighting the contentious nature of the administration’s actions.
Trump has long expressed concerns about crime rates in DC, using these claims to justify federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department and the deployment of National Guard troops. The administration has portrayed DC as a city plagued by “bloodthirsty criminals,” justifying the deployment of law enforcement units in both high-crime areas and popular tourist spots.
Since the crackdown, the administration has reported an increase in daily arrests, which they attribute to a decrease in crimes such as carjackings and shootings.
Local Response and Criticism
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser responded to the federal intervention, noting that the city had previously experienced declines in violent crime before Trump’s involvement. She criticized an order from Attorney General Pam Bondi that mandated cooperation between DC police and federal officials, particularly on immigration and homelessness issues.
The administration’s strategy has also included tying immigration enforcement to crime reduction efforts in DC. This has led to the deployment of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents alongside local police, resulting in increased detentions during routine traffic stops.
As the federal crackdown continues, the debate over its effectiveness and impact on the community remains heated. The administration’s claims of success are met with skepticism by local officials and residents who question the long-term implications of such measures.
Looking ahead, the future of DC’s crime strategy and park revitalization plans remains uncertain, with the potential for further federal interventions and local resistance. As Trump continues to assert his influence in the nation’s capital, the balance between federal authority and local governance will be a critical issue to watch.
