Residents of the nation’s capital are already reporting a greater sense of safety just days after President Donald Trump began his crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C.
On Monday, Trump signed an executive order declaring a crime emergency in the city, pledging to protect public servants, residents, and visitors amid alarming crime statistics.
As part of the effort, Trump has federalized the D.C. police department, deployed 800 National Guard troops, and initiated cooperation between the city and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to address illegal immigration.
“Went on a run through DC tonight. Insane amount of people out doing the same,” James Laverty, communications director for Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), posted to X on Thursday. “Cops everywhere but the vibe was different. People feel safe again. Common sense prevails.”
Journalist and commentator Katie Pavlich also noticed the swift changes in D.C. “First time at Union Station this morning since Trump’s crime crackdown and there wasn’t a single crazy person screaming, vagrant or person doing drugs. Instead, lots of families visiting D.C.,” she wrote. “Wonderful!!!”
First time at Union Station this morning since Trump’s crime crackdown and there wasn’t a single crazy person screaming, vagrant or person doing drugs. Instead, lots of families visiting D.C. Wonderful!!! pic.twitter.com/axTanM4iFj
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) August 15, 2025
Additionally, a woman’s video posted to TikTok and X, which commented on the safe vibes of the D.C. area, went viral, racking up millions of views. “Finally able to chill at a red light with my windows down, not worried about if one of them young n****s is coming,” TikTok user bigdawglexi said, as highlighted by the New York Post. “Riding through the city, feeling more safe than I ever felt.”
In another post, the woman said it’s “real quiet in the city, real livable, real ‘I like that,’” adding that this was due to “Trump’s Law.”
However, elected Democrats — including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and California Governor Gavin Newsom — are complaining about Trump’s efforts in D.C. Newsom called Trump a “dictator” for battling crime in the city, the Daily Wire reported.
