DC mayor and Trump have a productive meeting, finding common ground on the city's capital.

Despite their previously contentious relationship, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and President-elect Trump had a productive meeting to discuss their shared priorities for his upcoming term.

Bowser stated that both President Trump and he desire Washington, DC to be the topmost beautiful city globally and that the capital city should embody the nation's strength.

The Democratic mayor stated that she and Trump discussed areas for collaboration between local and federal government, particularly in regards to federal workforce, underutilized federal buildings, parks and green spaces, and infrastructure. She expressed optimism that they would continue to find common ground during Trump's second term and looked forward to supporting a successful inauguration on January 20.

Bowser's messaging related to Trump four years ago was vastly different from his current tone. In 2017, the mayor declared that a portion of the street leading up to the White House that protesters spray-painted to read "Defund the Police" would be officially recognized by the District of Columbia as "Black Lives Matter Plaza." Bowser and Trump publicly sparred over the use of federal law enforcement to quell the riots and protests that engulfed the nation's capital and other American cities.

Over the past year, carjackings and other violent crimes have targeted congressional staffers, a member of Congress, and even members of the federal workforce.

A congressional staffer from Texas was recently held up by a group of armed men during the morning commute in Washington, according to the Washington Post.

Trump pledged to revitalize D.C. and other American cities that he claims have declined due to progressive policies that have led to an increase in violent crime and emboldened offenders during his campaign this year.

Trump pledged to revitalize the nation's capital, which has experienced a significant increase in violent crime and poor management, during a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. According to WUSA, D.C. experienced the largest surge in violent crime between 2022 and 2023 compared to any other large city in the country, as reported by the Major Cities Chiefs Association in June.

In 2024, violent crime in Washington, D.C., decreased by 35%, reaching a 30-year low, according to the US Attorney's Office.

The number of homicides in Washington has decreased by 32% from 2023, and both violent crime and overall crime have dropped by 35% and 15%, respectively, as announced by DC Police Chief Pamela Smith and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah.

Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Mathew Graves stated that the 35% dip in year-over-year crime represents a new 30-year low for D.C.

On Monday, Smith advocated for the improved use of technology, attributing the success of the initiative to the mayor's decision to increase the number of CCTV cameras throughout the city.

Earlier this year, a comprehensive D.C. crime bill was passed, which boosted the morale of police officers, making them feel confident that they could effectively enforce the law again with the help of new or restored equipment.

The bill also made it easier for judges to order pre-trial detention.

Appiah acknowledged that detaining suspects accused of violent crimes prior to trial has helped reverse the trend.

According to WRC-TV, Appiah stated that those who commit violent crimes with guns may require pre-trial detention.