President Donald Trump has threatened a federal takeover of the country’s capital.
“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take federal control of the city, and run this city how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore,” Trump wrote Tuesday on Truth Social.
Trump’s statement was reportedly in response to an attack against a former DOGE staffer who was the victim of a carjacking according to a police report.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who helmed the U.S. DOGE Service, wrote on X that a DOGE “team member” was attacked, and Musk called to federalize D.C.
A police report identified the victim as Edward Coristine, who is also known by the nickname “Big Balls.”
Coristine, is a 19-year-old software engineer, gained widespread attention as a former staffer at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a government initiative backed by Musk. Known online by the nickname “Big Balls,” Coristine chose this moniker on LinkedIn to challenge traditional professional norms and highlight his bold approach to technology and governance.
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Throughout his career, he founded multiple startups, including Tesla, Sexy LLC, and worked with innovative organizations such as Neuralink and Path Network. His time at Path Network ended amid controversy due to allegations of leaking proprietary information. Despite this, Coristine secured a role at DOGE, where he had access to sensitive government systems, showcasing the blend of youth and high responsibility in emerging federal tech projects.
In June, Coristine resigned from DOGE and later joined the Social Security Administration. His nickname resurfaced in August following a widely publicized incident in Washington, D.C., where he was assaulted during a carjacking attempt while protecting a woman.
“Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime,” Trump wrote about Sunday’s incident. “If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Trump posted on Truth Social soon after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro visited the White House on Tuesday.
Trump’s push to federalize Washington, D.C., stems from concerns over the rising violent crime and what he perceives as ineffective local governance. The city’s unique status as a federal district with a locally elected government has created tensions around accountability and public safety. Trump argues that local officials have failed to maintain order, leading to increased violence and insecurity for residents and visitors alike.
Federal control, in his view, would allow for more direct intervention and enforcement, ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the resources and authority to tackle crime decisively.
This also has all the signs of the Trump administration’s classic overreach tactics. By asserting federal oversight, Trump aims to send a clear message that violent crime will not be tolerated, especially in a city symbolic of American governance.