House GOP Probe
House Republicans, led by Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, launched an investigation into alleged manipulation of Washington, D.C. crime data.
Allegations claim Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials intentionally downgraded charges to make crime statistics appear lower.
A whistleblower with knowledge of MPD operations confirmed the alleged manipulation.
One commander, Michael Pulliam, was suspended over the incident, but the issue may span all seven patrol districts.
Justice Department & Federal Probe
The investigation follows the Justice Department announcing its own federal probe into D.C. crime statistics.
Discrepancy: official reports say crime is at a 30-year low, but residents and whistleblowers say otherwise.
Donald Trump’s Position
Trump claims FBI crime stats are “fake” and is framing D.C. as a test case for federal intervention in U.S. cities.
He threatened to send troops to Baltimore, raising concerns among local officials.
Trump portrays himself as confronting “business as usual” in crime reporting and law enforcement.
Cashless Bail Executive Order
Trump signed an executive order to end cashless bail, starting in Washington, D.C.
The order:
Directs federal law enforcement to prosecute arrestees federally where possible.
Seeks to prevent pretrial release without bail.
Threatens to withhold or revoke federal funding from jurisdictions with cashless bail policies.
Attorney General must identify such jurisdictions within 30 days.
Political Reactions
Democrats:
Angry at Trump’s intervention.
Argue cashless bail gives judges discretion to detain or release based on risk, not wealth.
Say Trump is using the issue as a distraction from other policy failures (e.g., prices, economy).
Trump Allies & Conservatives:
Portray cashless bail as a failed liberal policy fueling crime.
Cite cities like Chicago as examples of negative consequences.
- Miami’s