During an Oval Office press gaggle, President Donald J. Trump raised eyebrows with his response to a question about a “crazy socialist” leading the Democratic primary for mayor of Washington, D.C.
Likening the left-wing candidate to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, widely seen as a full-blown communist, Trump vowed to “take back Washington.”
“Mr. President, here in Washington, D.C., there is a Democratic primary for mayor. One of the two leading candidates, Janeese Lewis George, is running a Zohran Mamdani campaign focused on socialist policies. How would you feel if she emerges victorious in next Tuesday’s race?” Gray Television reporter Jon Decker asked.
“I wouldn’t like it — and maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis. We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses,” the president said.
Q: There’s a crazy socialist running for mayor of Washington, D.C. What if she wins?@POTUS: “I wouldn’t like it — and maybe we take back Washington, run it on the federal basis. We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses.” pic.twitter.com/XDG1977D2W
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 11, 2026
George leads in the polls at 36-39% with her push for affordable housing, universal childcare, and tenants’ rights, mimicking Mamdani’s radical-left policies.
Trump went on to note that DC is now a “safe, beautiful place,” detailing some of the efforts to improve the city ahead of America’s 250th birthday.
“This is a beautiful place now. People are coming, restaurants are thriving. The restaurants were all closing, closed. Nobody wanted — now you can’t get restaurant space, You can’t get in,” he said. “We have a thriving community, we got rid of crime. We’re 92% down on crime, think of it. We will be close to 100% pretty soon. You always have some whack job somewhere, but we will be close to 100%.”
“Washington is thriving, Memphis — the people came in from Memphis, 74% reduction in crime. New Orleans, think of that, 78% reduction in crime, they had the safest Mardi Gras they’ve ever had,” Trump continued. “You know why? Because we sent in people that take care of crime. Chicago should do it, New York should do it. Los Angeles should do it.”
Democrats are crying about a “threat to democracy,” but they will not mention that D.C. was run by the federal government without an elected mayor or city council for nearly a century, from 1874 until 1973, when President Richard Nixon signed the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allowing residents to elect their own local leaders.
Many social media users see the potential takeover as a positive — a federal takeover would require Congress to act. Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story, as seen on X:
DC is a federal city. Home rule was never a good idea.
— Carrie Lukas (@carrielukas) June 12, 2026
Should’ve never been put in it’s own district to begin with. For almost 200 years it was under Congreve oversight. Since the early 70s when it changed they’ve had the most corrupt government imaginable. One mayor (Barri) was running for mayor while in prison on cocaine charges.…
— Crowenation4547 (@Crowenation4547) June 11, 2026
It was completely ran by the fed govt until 1973. The fed govt still controls many aspects, reserved their right exercise their authority at anytime. pic.twitter.com/1SoAzK4O7q
— Lan Vandana (@LanaVandana) June 11, 2026
I live in D.C. and shutter to think about what will happen if we elect a Democratic Socialist who has made her hatred of Trump, MAGA, and Republicans the centerpoint of her campaign.
She even blamed Trump for teen violence. We’re in danger with her as mayor
— Melik Abdul (@MelikAbdul_) June 11, 2026
DC should’ve been taken over decades ago. The stench of corruption can be smelled from states away.
— MAGA’s the Fix™ (@Honesttruthman) June 11, 2026
Yo haters gonna hate!
Truth be told…
You socialist loving people, pack your bags and leave America!!
Go where you belong cause you don’t belong here!!
Washington DC has no business being communist (NOW OR EVER)!!
You don’t like it …..GTFO!! 🤨 pic.twitter.com/nyfBhJPC9i— Gramma Kate (@GrammaKate1223) June 11, 2026
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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