Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday that she and President-elect Trump “had a great meeting to discuss our shared priorities” for his upcoming term, despite their disagreement. Previous contentious relationship Which reached fever pitch in 2020 during the George Floyd riots.
“President Trump and I want Washington, D.C., to be the best and most beautiful city in the world, and we want D.C. to reflect the strength of our nation,” Bowser said.
The Democratic mayor said she and Trump “discussed areas of cooperation between local and federal government, especially regarding our federal workforce, underutilized federal buildings, parks and green space, and infrastructure.”
“I am optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with the President during his second term, and we look forward to supporting a successful inauguration on January 20,” she added.
NYPD working in a “high-threat environment” ahead of New Year's Eve celebration
D.C. Mayor Bowser appears to be preparing to work with President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his second term. (Getty Images)
The tone of the statement is a far cry from Bowser's Trump-related messaging four years ago, when the city's mayor announced that a portion of the street leading to the White House that protesters had spray-painted “Defund the Police” would be officially recognized by the District of Columbia. As “Black Lives Matter Plaza”. Bowser and Trump have publicly sparred over the use of federal law enforcement to quell riots and protests that have swept through the nation's capital, as well as other American cities.
As for Bowser's reference to the “federal workforce” and even congressional staff Member of Congresshave been victims of car theft and other violent crimes over the past year.
Just weeks ago, a Texas congressional staffer was targeted by a group of armed men who detained about a dozen other people during a morning commute in Washington, DC. The Washington Post I mentioned.
Trump made a campaign promise this year that he would revitalize D.C. and other American cities that he says have deteriorated in recent years under progressive policies that have fueled violent crime and emboldened criminals.
“We will rebuild our cities, including… Our capital is in Washington, DCwhich has become a very dangerous and poorly managed place. We will make it safe, clean and beautiful again. Trump said in his speech at his rally held at Madison Square Garden in New York City: “We will teach our children to love our country, to respect our history, and to always respect our great American flag.”
The capital saw the largest increase in violent crime between 2022 and 2023 of any major city in the country. WUSA reported in JuneCiting Department of Justice data highlighted by the Major City Mayors Association earlier this year.
People walk on 16th Street after the phrase “Defund The Police” is painted on the street near the White House on June 8, 2020. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser renamed that section to “Black Lives Matter Plaza” after days of protests over George Floyd. (Tasos Katopoudis/Getty Images)
Violent crime in D.C. drops 35% in 2024, reaches lowest levels in 30 years: US Attorney
However, D.C. police and public safety officials on Monday indicated how much violent crime will decrease in D.C. in 2024.
Since 2023, homicides in Washington are down 32%, violent crimes are down 35%, and overall crime is down 15%, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah announced.
The 35% decline in crimes year-over-year marks a new 30-year low in D.C., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew Graves noted earlier this month.
Bowser speaks at the Homecoming Gala for the University of the District of Columbia on its main campus in Washington, D.C., on November 15, 2024. (Rob Hill for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Smith on Monday defended better use of technology, noting the mayor's approval of increasing surveillance cameras throughout the city.
The chief also said that D.C.'s comprehensive crime bill enacted earlier this year was a “morale boost” for officers, who expressed feeling they are “able to police again” with new or new tools to use on the streets.
The draft law also made it easier for judges to issue pretrial detention orders.
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At the same time, Appiah acknowledged that pre-trial detention of suspects accused of violent crimes – rather than releasing them back onto the street to re-offend – had helped turn things around.
“Those who commit violent crimes, especially with weapons, sometimes require pretrial detention,” Appiah said. WRC-TV.
