Buttigieg says Trump federalizing DC police is ‘distraction’ from Epstein files – Washington Examiner
Former transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to federalize the police in Washington, D.C., calling it a political distraction rather than a genuine effort to improve city safety. Trump announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi would take control of the Metropolitan Police Department as part of his plan to address crime in the capital. Buttigieg suggested that Trump’s motive is to divert attention from unresolved issues related to Jeffrey Epstein files and other political controversies,including policies that have negatively impacted healthcare and government functions. He encouraged people to oppose what he described as the president’s authoritarian actions and remain focused on the broader implications of Trump’s administration. Additionally, under Trump’s plan, homeless residents in D.C. may be required to leave encampments for shelters,facing fines or jail time if they refuse. The announcement followed a violent carjacking incident involving a former government official, further highlighting concerns about crime in the city.
Buttigieg says Trump federalizing DC police is ‘distraction’ from Epstein files
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 said he is hesitant to call this a “distraction,” but did say Trump is trying to distract people through “taking power in this way.” He also said that Trump warned that 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.
WHY TRUMP’S DC POLICE TAKEOVER IS LIKELY TO AVOID LEGAL HURDLES
As part of Trump’s crime clean-up in Washington, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday that the city’s homeless residents could leave their encampments for a homeless shelter. Those who refuse will either be “susceptible to fines or to jail time.”
Trump’s announcement to address crime in the Nation’s capital was preceded by former Department of Government Efficiency staffer Edward Coristine, who, known for his moniker “Big Balls,” 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.
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