The President has signed an executive order aimed at enhancing Washington, D.C.'s safety and aesthetic appeal. Under the directive, called "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful," various federal and local officials will collaborate to ensure the capital is a secure and visually enticing environment.
The President stated, "As the capital city of the greatest Nation in the history of the world, it should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces. America’s capital must be a place in which residents, commuters, and tourists feel safe at all hours, including on public transit."
A significant component of the order is the creation of a D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. This body will be "chaired by the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor or his designee" and will comprise representatives from several federal departments and agencies. The task force will coordinate efforts with the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C., Amtrak Police, and other pertinent bodies.
Key objectives of the task force will include increasing federal enforcement of immigration laws, supporting the accreditation of D.C.'s forensic crime lab, and facilitating the Metropolitan Police Department's recruitment and retention efforts. It will also work to enhance law enforcement in public spaces like the National Mall and key transit areas.
Regarding beautification, the directive tasks the Secretary of the Interior with developing a cooperative plan to enhance and maintain both federal and local properties in the area. This includes restoring damaged or defaced monuments and removing graffiti from visited locations. The President emphasized that "Federal buildings or lands adequately uplift and beautify public spaces and generate in the citizenry pride in and respect for our Nation."
Additionally, the order includes measures to involve the private sector in beautification efforts and directs the National Park Service to clear homeless encampments on federal lands managed within D.C.
The President concluded that this executive order would be carried out in accordance with existing laws and resources, confirming, "This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations."
