Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said President Donald Trump has ulterior motives with federalizing police in Washington, D.C., adding that Trump needs his supporters focused on “something else.”
Trump announced his move to address crime in the nation’s capital Monday, giving Attorney General Pam Bondi control over the Metropolitan Police Department. Buttigieg, however, said Trump is not taking this action to increase the city’s safety, but instead to “solve his own political problems.”
“He needs to get his base talking and thinking about something besides his refusal to open up the Epstein files because he’s mixed up in them,” Buttigieg said in a video posted on X.
“And he wants the rest of the country focused on something, anything, besides the work that he has done and continues to do to kick millions of Americans off of their health insurance, to close down rural hospitals, and to undermine basic functions of our government in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest,” Buttigieg said.
The former secretary was hesitant to call this a “distraction,” but did say Trump is trying to distract people through “taking power in this way.” He also said Trump has warned he would take similar action in other cities.
Buttigieg encouraged his followers to “stand up” to the president’s “authoritarian actions” while remaining focused on the effects of Trump’s administration.
As part of Trump’s crime clean-up in Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that the city’s homeless residents can leave their encampments for a homeless shelter. Those who refuse will be “susceptible to fines or to jail time.”
WHY TRUMP’S DC POLICE TAKEOVER IS LIKELY TO AVOID LEGAL HURDLES
Trump’s announcement to address crime in the nation’s capital was preceded by former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, known for his moniker “Big Balls,” who was attacked and carjacked by two juveniles on Aug. 3.
Both teenagers will be held in custody at D.C.’s Youth Services Center after a request to move them was denied.
