Baier Stop Highlights Broader Federal Law Enforcement Push in D.C.
Bret Baier’s traffic citation came as President Trump’s administration continues an expansive public safety initiative aimed at curbing violent crime in Washington, D.C. The effort began earlier this month following a series of serious incidents, including the August 3 attack on former Department of Government Efficiency worker Edward Coristine. In response, federal law enforcement officers were deployed to the city starting August 7.
The initiative escalated on August 11, when Trump federalized the Metropolitan Police Department and ordered the deployment of the D.C. National Guard for a 30-day period. Administration officials have since reported hundreds of arrests during the operation, including 52 suspects taken into custody on a single Monday night. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that one of those arrested was a suspected member of the MS-13 gang.
According to the D.C. Police Union, the enforcement measures have coincided with a notable decline in crime. Overall criminal activity is reported to be down 8 percent since the order took effect. Carjackings have dropped by 83 percent, while robberies are down 46 percent, figures frequently cited by administration officials as evidence of progress.
Trump has indicated that he may seek congressional approval to extend federal oversight of the city’s police department beyond the initial 30-day window. Alongside enforcement efforts, the administration has also pursued administrative reforms through the president’s Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, which was established by executive order in March.
The task force worked with local officials to streamline firearm-related processes without changing the city’s strict gun laws. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers summarized the effort, saying, “President Trump is not only stopping violent crime in Washington, D.C., he is also streamlining the permitting process for law-abiding residents who want the ability to protect themselves and their families.” She added, “The Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force has been working with local officials to eliminate longstanding obstacles and successfully reduced the average permit processing time from several months to just five days.”
Under the revised system, residents can schedule next-day firearm registration appointments, access walk-in options, and complete concealed carry applications in an average of just 4.6 days. Despite these procedural changes, Washington, D.C., continues to enforce some of the nation’s most restrictive gun regulations, including broad firearm bans, ammunition limits, and extensive gun-free zones throughout the city.