Trump orders increased federal law enforcement presence in DC over crime rate

The seven-day operation, which could extend beyond a week, is aimed at boosting public safety, according to a White House official.

WASHINGTON — Federal agents are expected to have a much stronger and visible presence on the streets of Washington starting Friday following several days of President Donald Trump’s bashing the city's crime rate.

“President Trump has directed an increased presence of federal law enforcement to protect innocent citizens,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Thursday, calling the city “plagued by violent crime for far too long.”

“Starting tonight, there will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C. President Trump is committed to making our Nation’s capital safer for its residents, lawmakers, and visitors from all around the world,” she added.

A White House official said the seven-day effort, led by the U.S. Park Police, will focus on high-traffic tourist areas and other hot spots in the nation's capital.

Federal officers "will be identified, in marked units, and highly visible," the official said, adding that the operation beginning at 12 a.m. ET on Friday could extend beyond the weeklong period.