President Trump threatens to federalize D.C. as violent group of teens assault former DOGE staffer
News | By Easton Martin | August 6, 2025
President Trump issued a warning Wednesday that his administration may move to take federal control of Washington, D.C., citing rising violent crime and the recent assault of a former staff member.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned what he described as rampant lawlessness in the capital, blaming gangs and teenagers for a wave of robberies and assaults.
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114977985620971126
“The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these ‘minors’ as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14,” Trump wrote. He said his former staffer, Edward Coristine, better known as “Big Balls,” was “beaten mercilessly by local thugs” in the latest attack.
Trump warned that if local officials fail to restore order, he is prepared to “exert [his] powers, and FEDERALIZE this City.” He said federal control would ensure Washington is “safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see.”
The comments come as violent crime remains a central issue in the District, with city leaders facing pressure to strengthen enforcement.
