NEW: Elon Musk backs Trump over federalization of Washington, DC after DOGE staffer brutally beaten

"A few days ago," Musk said on X in response to Trump's post on Truth Social, "a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in DC. A Doge team member saw what was happening, ran to defend her and was severely beaten to the point of concussion, but he saved her. It is time to federalize DC."

Trump had said on Truth Social, "Crime in Washington, D.C., is totally out of control. Local 'youths' and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released. They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now!"

"The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these 'minors' as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14. The most recent victim was beaten mercilessly by local thugs.

"Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see," he added. "If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that they’re not going to get away with it anymore.

"Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago, then this incredible young man, and so many others, would not have had to go through the horrors of Violent Crime. If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"