On June 28, 2026, President Donald Trump referred to Washington, D.C. council member Janeese Lewis George as a "communist" and expressed his intention to oppose her policies, which he claims would undermine public safety and reverse his administration's crime reduction efforts. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he plans to meet with Lewis George and argued that crime in Washington has decreased during his presidency. He criticized her stance on issues such as immigration enforcement, policing, and the criminal justice system, claiming she aims to implement policies that would weaken these areas.
Lewis George, a Democratic socialist who recently won the Democratic mayoral primary, is positioned to succeed Mayor Muriel Bowser. Trump indicated that her election could lead to a conflict regarding crime reduction in the city, which he has made a priority. He has maintained a National Guard presence in Washington and has threatened to revoke the District's home rule if local leaders do not manage crime effectively.
In response to Trump's actions, Lewis George has criticized the deployment of the National Guard and the increased federal law enforcement presence, arguing that they pose a greater threat to residents than juvenile crime. She has advocated for community investments and youth programs instead of relying on federal enforcement measures. Trump has suggested that he might consider greater federal control over Washington if Lewis George is elected mayor.