Summary
Highlights
President Trump opens the press conference by acknowledging the unprecedented crowd and the serious purpose of the gathering. He announces a historic action to rescue the nation's capital from crime and squalor, declaring it 'Liberation Day in DC' and vowing to 'take our capital back.' He invokes Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the DC Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deploying the National Guard to reestablish law, order, and public safety. He highlights alarming crime statistics in Washington D.C., including a murder rate higher than Bogota, Colombia, and Mexico City, and significant increases in car thefts and carjackings. He attributes the crisis to violent gangs, criminals, and homelessness, and pledges to end it.
President Trump identifies the "radical left city council's adoption of no cash bail" as a direct cause of the public safety crisis, asserting that such policies have led to disasters in other cities like New York and Chicago. He pledges to change these statutes. He then cites specific instances of violent crime in DC, including the brutal beating of a former Dodge staff member, the tragic death of a congressional intern, the murder of a former Trump administration official, the carjacking of a Democrat congressman, and the stabbing of a Senator's aide. He also mentions the shooting death of a three-year-old girl near the Capitol, illustrating the pervasive lawlessness in the city. He also addresses the issue of "sanctuary cities" and the negative impact of releasing illegal alien gang members, noting that almost 70% of arrested criminals in Washington D.C. go unprosecuted.
President Trump details the federal government's immediate actions, including the deployment of 500 federal agents from various agencies into the district, leading to numerous arrests. He formally declares a public safety emergency, stating that Attorney General Pam Bondi will take command of the Metropolitan Police Department, and Terry Cole will be the interim federal commissioner. The plan includes deploying officers with an overwhelming presence, hinting at military involvement if necessary, and targeting gangs, drug dealers, and criminal networks. He also addresses the city's appearance, promising to clean up graffiti, repair infrastructure like medians and potholes, and remove homeless encampments, emphasizing that Washington D.C. will be restored to a safe, clean, and beautiful capital.
Doug Bergam, in charge of the U.S. Park Police, speaks about the force's history and their role in protecting national monuments. He highlights their recent efforts in removing over 70 homeless camps and dealing with graffiti since President Trump's executive order. Pete Hegseth details the immediate mobilization of the D.C. National Guard, promising a strong presence in the coming week and the potential for additional units. Attorney General Pam Bondi vows to use every power to fight criminals and ensure the capital is safe for families and tourists. FBI Director Kash Patel then discusses the success of allowing "good cops to be cops," citing a significant increase in child victim identification, fentanyl seizures, and arrests of violent felons under the current administration, including a successful task force in Northern Virginia that arrested 545 violent felons in one month.
Will speaks about the two executive actions signed by President Trump: an executive order invoking the Home Rule Act to take federal control of the DC Metropolitan Police Department, and a presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Defense to utilize the National Guard. Janine Pirro highlights the issue of juvenile crime, criticizing lenient laws and judges who give probation for serious offenses. She advocates for changes to the law, including eliminating no-cash bail and reforming the juvenile justice system to hold young offenders accountable for "adult crimes." President Trump agrees, emphasizing the need to appoint tough, fair judges to address the problems with the current judicial system that allows criminals back onto the streets.
President Trump asserts that the condition of the capital city directly reflects the state of the country. He recalls a past success in protecting national monuments by enforcing a strict 10-year jail sentence for vandalism, which he says effectively deterred those attempting to destroy statues. He believes the current initiatives in D.C. will serve as a model for other cities struggling with crime, such as Chicago and Los Angeles. He discusses the potential reclassification of marijuana, acknowledging its complexities but indicating a decision will be made soon. He emphasizes using federal authority to fix urban issues like homelessness and crime, similar to how he believes he addressed the southern border without new legislation.
President Trump addresses his upcoming meeting with Russian President Putin, stressing that the war in Ukraine would not have happened if he were president. He highlights his past firm stance against Russia, including stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and asserts that he was tougher on Russia than previous administrations. He views the meeting as an obligation to try and end a war that is claiming thousands of lives weekly. He expresses intent to call European leaders and President Zelensky after his meeting with Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire and a peace deal, acknowledging that some "land swapping" might be necessary given Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory, particularly what he refers to as 'oceanfront property.' He hopes for a fair deal for both parties.
President Trump discusses trade relations with China, clarifying a deal regarding the export of an "obsolete" H20 chip in exchange for a 15% profit to the U.S. He also mentions the potential for future trade with Russia if they prioritize business over war. He reiterates his goal of ending the Ukraine conflict, noting the weariness of European leaders and the Ukrainian population for the war. He emphasizes that he will gauge the feasibility of a deal quickly during his meeting with Putin and then consult with European leaders and Zelensky. He concludes by reaffirming his commitment to making Washington D.C. a safe and beautiful capital, serving as a model for other American cities, and expresses confidence in the team assembled for this task.