US President Donald Trump visited the US Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility in southeast Washington on Thursday, meeting law enforcement officers leading his citywide crackdown on crime. Speaking before hundreds of uniformed personnel, he praised their service, saying crime numbers had dropped significantly and credited them for making the nation function.
Trump defended the crackdown as a success, claiming it had delivered “incredible results.” He predicted the capital would soon be “spotless” and the “best in the world.” Alongside law enforcement measures, he outlined plans to improve the city’s infrastructure, including resurfacing roads and adding greenery to parks. Declaring the city much safer, he promised major enhancements, vowing, “We’re going to have the best capital ever.”
Adding a personal touch to his visit, Trump brought hamburgers from the White House and pizza “from a good place,” saying he would share a meal with National Guard troops and officers before they returned to patrols. He framed the gathering as both a celebration and a moment to refocus on duties.
The visit came after Trump deployed National Guard soldiers and federal agents to Washington, asserting temporary control over the city’s police department in an unusual assertion of presidential power. He justified the move by citing a violent crime surge, though city officials disputed his claims. Data shows violent crime has actually been falling since its 2023 peak. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that crime has been on a steady decline and credited ongoing police efforts, noting that the addition of 500 officers could help remove more guns from the streets.
The president’s appearance followed visits by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who toured Union Station on Wednesday but were met with protests and heckling. On Thursday, Trump was joined by Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a central figure in his immigration policies.
According to Reuters, the administration has also directed federal prosecutors in Washington to pursue criminal cases more aggressively against individuals arrested under the crackdown. This escalation highlights Trump’s determination to tackle what he has described as growing crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital.
