Trump Threatens D.C. Takeover After Assault Incident

President Donald Trump has renewed threats to impose federal control over Washington, D.C., following an incident in which Edward Coristine, a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee and Musk protégé, was assaulted by teenagers during an attempted carjacking. Trump shared a graphic photo of the bloodied Coristine and called for minors as young as 14 to be prosecuted as adults and given lengthy sentences. He blamed local officials for what he describes as an uncontrolled surge in youth violence, though police data indicates violent crime in D.C. is down from prior years. Legal experts note that while Congress retains some authority over D.C., a unilateral presidential federalization would be unprecedented and face major legal obstacles. City officials and law enforcement have not publicly responded to Trump’s remarks. The episode has reignited debate over crime, governance, and federal intervention in the capital.