Thread by @karlmehta

President Trump just hosted a press briefing at the White House.

One by one, Trump, Bondi, & Hegseth delivered major announcements and clues on what's coming next—directly to the American people.

Here’s everything you should know (no joke, it gets crazier the further you read):

1/ The Federal Takeover Declaration

Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act:

• DC police now under direct federal control
• AG Pam Bondi takes command
• DEA's Terry Cole becomes interim commissioner

"This is Liberation Day in DC, and we're going to take our capital back."

2/ The Military Deployment Orders

Defense Secretary @PeteHegseth announced immediate action:

• 800 DC National Guard troops deploying to streets
• Additional specialized units on standby
• Federal military backup if needed

"They will be strong. They will be tough and they will stand with their law enforcement partners."

3/ The Shocking Crime Statistics

Trump revealed DC's murder rate compared globally:

• 41 per 100,000 - "number one that we can find anywhere in the world"
• Higher than Bogota, Colombia and Mexico City
• Car thefts doubled in 5 years
• Carjackings more than tripled

4/ The Secret Weekend Operations

The federal surge was already underway:

• 500 federal agents deployed last week
• FBI, ATF, DEA, Park Police, US Marshall Service involved
• "Dozens of arrests" made over the weekend
• Criminal photos displayed at briefing

5/ The Triggering Incident

What sparked this unprecedented action (trigger warning):

Former DOGE employee "savagely beaten by a band of roving thugs after defending a young woman from an attempted carjacking."

Left "dripping in blood" with broken nose and concussion.

6/ The Enforcement Philosophy Revealed

Trump's message to criminals:

"They fight back until you knock the hell out of them because it's the only language they understand."

On protesters spitting at police: "You spit and we hit and they get hit real hard."

7/ The Homeless Camp Elimination

Interior Secretary @DougBurgum's progress report:

• Over 70 homeless camps already removed since Trump's executive order
• US Park Police now "allowed to enforce the law"

Trump: "We're getting rid of the slums, too. We have slums here."

8/ The Cash Bail System Overhaul

Trump announced sweeping changes:

• Federal statute changes to eliminate cash bail
• "Every place where you have no cash bail is a disaster"
• Republican Congress support secured for passage
• Will extend beyond DC to other cities

9/ The Putin Summit Bombshell

Trump revealed his Friday plans:

• Meeting Vladimir Putin in Russia
• "I'm going to be telling him you got to end this war"
• Land swapping negotiations expected

10/ The Juvenile Crime Crackdown

@USAttyPirro's warning:

• Current system: violent juveniles "go to family court and they get to do yoga and arts and crafts"
• New approach: adult crimes deserve adult penalties

"These kids understand we can't touch them. Because the laws are weak."

11/ The National Success Numbers

FBI Director @Kash_Patel's enforcement update:

• 4,000 child victims identified (33% increase this year)
• 1,500 kg of fentanyl seized (enough to kill 115 million Americans)
• 19,000 arrests in 2025 (double last year's rate)
• Murder rates "on track to be lowest in US history"

12/ The Legal Authority Limits

Trump can control DC police for 30 days initially under Home Rule Act.

Extensions require Congressional notification.

But Trump warned: "We will bring in the military if needed."

Full takeover needs Congress to repeal 1973 Home Rule Act.

13/ Why This All Matters

This represents the most significant federal intervention in DC since 1973:

• First time Section 740 used for crime control
• Sets precedent for other cities Trump mentioned (Chicago, LA)
• Tests constitutional limits of federal vs. local authority
• Could reshape urban policing nationwide

Trump: "Other cities are hopefully watching this."

Thanks for reading.

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