WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a new task force to make D.C. “safe and beautiful,” citing high crime and “failed policies” in the District.
The White House states the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force aims to increase officers in public areas, “maximize immigration enforcement,” assist the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in recruiting and retention, combat fare evasion, expedite concealed carry licenses “for law-abiding citizens” and help D.C.’s forensic crime laboratory get accreditation.
The executive order also creates a program to clear all homeless encampments and graffiti on federal lands. The order intends to restore and “beautify” federal buildings, monuments, statues, parks, memorials, and roadways.
“…Our nation’s capital, the only city that belongs to all of us, must be a symbol of pride for the American people and a safe location for public servants to do the people’s work. Today, because of failed policies, it’s not,” read a fact sheet issued by the White House regarding the order.
In recent weeks, Trump has complained about the crime and homelessness in D.C. while throwing his support behind congressional efforts for the federal government to control the city.
Following Trump’s comments, MPD released a statement in February addressing public safety. In the statement, MPD cited a historic drop in crime across the District, noting that violent crime in 2024 dropped by 35%, including a 32% drop in homicides and a 39% decrease in robberies.
However, the White House says “the left” proclaims “modest decreases” in D.C. crime in 2024, but the numbers still represent a “massive increase from earlier rates.”
“Crime is near historic highs, yet D.C. police force numbers recently reached a half-century low,” said the White House.
The administration added that 2023 saw the highest number of homicides in D.C. since 1997 and that MPD has fewer than 3,500 officers but needs at least 4,000.
As of Thursday, overall crime is down in the District; however, motor vehicle thefts and burglaries have increased by 6% and 12%, respectively, according to MPD crime data for 2025.
DC News Now reached out to the Executive Office of the Mayor for comment but has not yet heard back.
