Trump Signals Bold Federal Move on DC After DOGE Hero ‘Big Balls’ Attacked Defending Woman

Credit: Shutterstock President Donald Trump is raising the stakes in his ongoing effort to rein in violent crime in the nation’s capital, calling for potential federal oversight of Washington,...
Trump Signals Bold Federal Move on DC After DOGE Hero 'Big Balls' Attacked Defending Woman
Credit: Shutterstock

President Donald Trump is raising the stakes in his ongoing effort to rein in violent crime in the nation’s capital, calling for potential federal oversight of Washington, D.C. following a brutal attack on a young tech worker known affectionately online as “Big Balls.”

Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old member of Elon Musk’s original DOGE team, was reportedly beaten unconscious by a group of young attackers after stepping in to stop a carjacking near Dupont Circle. The shocking incident has sparked national outrage and become a rallying cry for both the tech and political worlds.

“Edward is a hero,” wrote friend and fellow DOGE developer Marko Elez on X. “He saw a woman being attacked and didn’t hesitate. He saved her, but paid the price for doing the right thing.”

A widely circulated photo posted by Elez shows Coristine bloodied but conscious, seated on the curb just moments after the attack. The image quickly went viral, adding fuel to growing concerns about juvenile crime in the District.

Trump didn’t mince words during a fiery press conference at the White House on Tuesday.

“Either they’re going to fix this disaster in D.C. or we’re going to take over and do it ourselves,” Trump declared. “We’re not going to let thugs run wild in our nation’s capital. We’re not going to let brave young Americans like Edward get beaten for being heroes.”

The president’s statement follows a series of increasingly urgent posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he described the current situation as “totally out of control.” Trump singled out youth violence in particular, citing reports of teenagers as young as 14 participating in violent robberies, muggings, and assaults.

“These kids know they won’t face consequences,” he wrote. “But that ends now.”

From DOGE Dev to D.C. Defender

Coristine, known within Musk’s circle by his nickname “Big Balls” due to his fearless approach to late-night software launches and Red Bull-fueled code sprints, has become something of an internet folk hero. Friends say the Canadian-born coder had been working round the clock with Musk’s DOGE team in the capital when he witnessed the attempted carjacking.

Elon Musk also weighed in, confirming the details on X: “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.”

As the story picked up steam, Trump supporters, tech fans, and residents alike flooded social media with messages of support for Coristine — and calls for decisive action.

Crackdown Incoming

Jeanine Pirro, recently appointed by Trump as the United States Attorney for D.C., echoed the president’s tough stance in a video statement released Tuesday morning.

“Our job is simple — remove the criminals who are preying on innocent people,” Pirro said. “If you’re threatening others, carjacking, or carrying illegal weapons, your time is up. We’re coming for you.”

While local officials have yet to provide specific updates on the case, the Metropolitan Police Department confirmed an investigation is underway. The U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment on the specifics but emphasized its commitment to prosecuting violent juveniles when sufficient evidence is presented.

“We will ensure consequences for those who break the law and harm others,” D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated.

A Federal Future for the Capital?

Trump made it clear that if the city’s leadership fails to act swiftly, the federal government will.

“Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful — for Americans and for the world to see,” Trump said. “If they can’t make that happen, we will.”

No formal federalization of the city has been announced yet, but sources close to the administration say plans are being discussed behind closed doors.

As for Coristine, friends say he is recovering and still as sharp and spirited as ever. In a text shared with permission by Elez, Edward reportedly joked: “Tell Elon I didn’t drop the Red Bull.”

In the face of rising crime and deepening frustration from both citizens and leaders, Coristine’s bravery has turned him into an unexpected symbol of resistance — and possibly, a turning point for the future of law and order in the nation’s capital.

August 6, 2025

Dave A. - Aug 5, 2025

Dave A. - Aug 6, 2025