End of homelessness and drugs. Yes, Trump wants to create a “perfect city”
On Monday, two weeks ago, when Donald Trump announced his arrival in the capital, Robin Galbraith stood in front of the headquarters of the US President with a banner. – I walk around this city day and night. It is really wonderful here – says the mother of two children, who lives all his life in the vicinity of Washington. Then he adds:
However, the situation is not so calm. The capital of the United States has a problem with crime. Statistics for 2024 show 25.5 murders per 100,000 residents. For comparison: in Berlin this indicator is 1.45 killings, and in London 1.16. Washington in the entire United States scale takes the 11th place among “Cities of killers”. Residents complain about the seizures of youth gangs in broad daylight on drugstores and clothing stores. “Carjacking” is also common. Armed, mainly young perpetrators attack drivers, pull them out of cars and leave with a squeal of tires.
However, Trump's opponent, Robin Galbrait, is right in one aspect. There was no reason for the US president to suddenly announce a state of emergency in the capital. Especially since in the last two years the crime indicator has really dropped.
Still Trump takes decisive actions. He sends a national guard to the city, takes control of the police in Washington. The result is a confrontation between the federal government and the city ruled by the democratic mayor and it has never been so sharp before. However, this is nothing new.
American heritage
The roots date back to the 18th century and to this day make it The city has two faces. Washington has a unique constitutional position. Article 1 the seat of the United States authorities.
This applies to the capital of Washington, which in the name has a DC supplement, meaning “Colombia's district”. The city does not have a governor, and the president, as the commander -in -chief of the armed forces, has great power. So the influence that Trump would like to have in other cities, such as New York or Los Angeles.
That is why the president decided to set an example to Washington. He wants to show how the perfect capital should look like as part of his “Make America Great Again” program [Uczyńmy Amerykę znów wielką]. They should be there “Well -groomed and pleasant streets, boulevards and parks”. Monuments, museums and buildings should reflect “the strength, size and heritage of our nation” and arouse “respect and recognition”.
The inhabitants and guests of Washington have been experiencing what Trump means for almost two weeks. Ok 2 thousand The city's soldiers are currently patrolling the city. At dusk, the special forces of the anti -nobacco agency, the Federal Police and the Office for Foreigners join them.
The number of arrests of drug dealers and undocumented immigrants is growing rapidly. However, taking control over Washington streets is not enough for Trump. A few days ago, the management of the Washington museum administration received a letter from the White House. Within 30 days, he must provide comprehensive information about all exhibitions, educational materials and guidelines.
Within four months, the recommended corrections should be introduced, having in mind the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The president wants a “lively curatorial vision, rooted in strength, wealth and achievements of America's history.” On Wednesday he said it even more bluntly. Until now, in the Washington museums, everything has revolved around it, “how terrible our country is and how terrible slavery was”.
National Guard on the streets of Washington, August 19, 2025.
Dark history of the USA
The history of slavery is another historical reason why Washington is a special place.
Since the creation of the city, the concept of “breed”, commonly used in America, has shaped its history, politics and culture. The city proudly wore the nickname “Chocolate City”, whose history Asch wrote. Slavery was banned here long before the southern states.
Already after World War II, the capital became one of the first large cities in which Most of the inhabitants were black. In the 1970s, 70 percent residents were of African -American origin. “The northernmost city of the south” is the cradle of culture. Swing, Big Band and jazz musician Duke Ellington were born in Washington. In 1963, Martin Luther King gave one of the most influential speeches of our time in Lincoln Memorial: “I have a dream”, “I have a dream”.
In the Anacostia district in the eastern part of the city, known for the high crime indicator, you can see traces of history. In 2023, she received the official title of “District of Art and Culture” and offers fashionable cafes, galleries and jazz concerts in the open air. However, a bus ride shows what reality looks like. Two passengers are huddled in the seats, trembling uncontrollable, and the saliva is leaking from their mouths. Probably after fentanyl.
Protest against the decision of Donald Trump, Washington, August 20, 2025.
Residents are protesting
Anacostia was a white suburban district for decades. When racial segregation in schools was abolished in 1954, there was a “white escape”. White families moved to the suburbs, to Maryland. A similar trend appeared in the center and in the east of the city. Anacostia, but also downtown districts such as Shaw and Mount Pleasant, fell into ruin. The Crack epidemic in the 1980s finally destroyed the city. Today, these districts are highly committed, as evidenced by the prices of houses reaching millions of dollars. However, social challenges remained.
Trump has long worried numerous tents of people in the crisis of homelessnesswhich he saw on the way to his golf course in Virginia. “Homeless people must disappear immediately,” he wrote on his account on social media the day before the announcement of the state of emergency.
Ok 5,000 People in crisis, for many Washington residents, for years an ordinary view, immediately disappeared. “From now on, we offer homeless accommodation. Those who remain in tents must take into account prison,” said Trump spokeswoman.
The inhabitants of Washington are protesting in various ways against Trump's brutal activities. On Wednesday, his deputy, vice president of JD Vance, was booed during the patrol of the National Guard on the street. On Thursday, Trump visited the police station in Anacostia and “thanked” the officers with pizza for their work.
The Prosecutor General of the Colombia District filed a lawsuit against taking control of the Washington police by administration. Trump significantly exceeded his rights. As far as he can go, the courts must now decide – as it was often the case since the 47th President of the USA has taken over the office.
