Trump threatens Bowser with expansion of DC takeover over crime stats

President Trump sent a warning to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) early Friday, threatening to extend the federal takeover of local police in the nation’s capital citing "inaccurate" crime reporting data.

“Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!!" the president wrote on Truth Social just after midnight Friday. "As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory."

“Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City,” he added. “Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!” 

The Justice Department (DOJ) opened an investigation this week into the district's crime reporting data. The probe is headed by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for D.C., the same office that said earlier this year that violent crime in Washington has reached a 30-year low.

The president visited federal law enforcement at a U.S. Park Police center in Anacostia on Thursday evening, arguing the administration's takeover of local police is already paying off. 

“It’s like a different place, different city,” Trump told the crowd. “Now, I think right now it’s better than it has been in years and in a couple of weeks, it’s going to be far better."

The Trump administration launched its crackdown on crime in D.C. earlier this month, announcing that the Justice Department (DOJ) would take control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Trump also deployed National guard troops to the area.

Since the Aug. 11 announcement, around 630 arrests were made, including the detainment of 250 migrants without legal status, according to the White House’s data. 

Local officials and residents have pushed back on the administration's moves.

An extension of the federal takeover would require Congressional approval under the district's Home Rule Act.