Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently announced a productive meeting with President-elect Trump, emphasizing their shared commitment to the city's future. Despite past disagreements, particularly during the 2020 unrest, Bowser expressed optimism for collaboration during Trump's second term. The focus of their discussion centered on enhancing the capital city through collaboration on federal workforce management, repurposing underutilized federal properties, and improving parks, green spaces, and infrastructure.

This cooperative tone marks a significant shift from Bowser's stance four years prior, when she clashed with Trump over the federal response to protests and riots and formally designated an area near the White House as "Black Lives Matter Plaza." Bowser's mention of the "federal workforce" comes at a time when congressional staff and even members of Congress have been victims of rising crime rates in the city, including carjackings.

Trump's campaign promises included revitalizing American cities, including D.C., which he criticized for its handling of crime and public safety. He pledged to address these issues and restore safety and beauty to urban areas. While D.C. experienced a significant increase in violent crime between 2022 and 2023, recent statistics presented by D.C. police and public safety officials indicate a substantial decrease in violent crime and homicides in 2024. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith attributed the improvements to increased CCTV cameras and a new crime bill that has boosted officer morale and provided additional tools for law enforcement. The bill also facilitates pre-trial detention for suspects, a factor that Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Lindsey Appiah acknowledged as contributing to the positive trend.