Trump announces White House press conference to make 'most dangerous' DC 'safest' soon

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump teased a major announcement on Saturday, August 9, linked to his push to reduce violent crime in Washington, DC.

The upcoming press conference follows the assault on Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee known as "Big Balls," during an attempted carjacking in the nation’s capital.

Donald Trump says presser will essentially 'stop violent crime' in DC

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote, “On Monday, a press conference will be held at the White House which will, essentially, stop violent crime in Washington, D.C."

"It has become one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world. It will soon be one of the safest! Thank you for your attention to this matter," he added.

The president ordered federal law enforcement officers to patrol the city just two days after Coristine’s assault.

He has also warned on several occasions that he might impose a federal takeover of the city, a step he has hinted could happen during Monday’s announcement.

Earlier this year, Trump said, “The federal government should take over the governance of DC. and run it really, really properly.”

Donald Trump targets youth crime in DC crackdown

Following the assault, Donald Trump pointed to younger residents as part of the problem and called for tougher penalties.

In a Truth Social post, the commander-in-chief wrote, "Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control. Local 'youths' and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released."

"They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now! 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," he added. 

About the attack on Coristine, Trump said, "The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs," before adding, "Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see."

Reiterating the threat to federalize the city, the 79-year-old noted, "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."

"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!" he concluded. 

Internet reacts to Donald Trump’s promise to make DC safer

Online reactions reflected a mix of hope, doubt, and criticism.

“Turning one of the most dangerous cities into the safest is an ambitious goal—hope the strategy matches the words,” wrote one on X (formerly Twitter).

Another said, “The same measures need to take place in every blue, crime ridden city… time to save all American lives!"

Some were skeptical, with one writing, “Bold move to think a press conference can do what decades of policy couldn’t—guess crime fears run from a podium now.”

“This is long overdue and like always, Trump has to identify what needs to be done in America,” someone else remarked.

“Nothing will change, and Trump will claim victory,” one user posted, while another added, “Let it become safe and beautiful capital of USA, not easy but can work.”

Someone exaggerated the announcement, writing, "This is the part of the movie where the bad guys start sweating. "

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.