One Year After D.C. 'Liberation Day': Crime Drops and Capital Gets Facelift

In August 2025, President Donald Trump proclaimed a "Liberation Day" for Washington, D.C., declaring a crime emergency and activating the National Guard under section 740 of the District of Columbia Rule Act. He cited high homicide rates compared with other world capitals and pointed to a fatal carjacking of former administration official Mike Gill as evidence of the crisis. The Guard remains on the streets, with the Department of War estimating a $1.4 billion cost to keep them deployed through January 2029.

Police data show a 20 % drop in overall crime, with homicides down 32 % and vehicle thefts down 53 %. Transit usage has increased, and the city has seen a 9.3 % decline in unsheltered residents, though total homelessness rose 4.4 %. The Trump administration has also overseen the restoration of 22 fountains and 28 statues and is seeking $2 billion for further beautification, including a new White House ballroom, a helipad, and a $100 million, 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington. While touting these achievements, Trump has not ruled out rescinding the 1973 Home Rule Act as D.C. prepares for a mayoral race likely to be won by Democratic candidate Janeese Lewis George.