'Musk Kid' Teenage Genius Government Official Assaulted in Group Attack in Washington, DC

President Trump Expresses Outrage: "Crime Is Out of Control"
"If No Action Is Taken, Federal Intervention May Follow"

A controversy has erupted after a teenage "genius government official" who worked at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the second Donald Trump administration alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk was assaulted in a group attack in Washington, DC. President Trump strongly condemned the incident and pointed to Washington DC's juvenile justice laws, which assign juvenile offenders to juvenile court, as a root cause.

On August 5 (local time), President Trump posted a photo of Edward Corristin, battered from the assault, on the social media platform Truth Social. Corristin is a teenage government official who worked with CEO Musk at DOGE and is still serving in the Trump administration.

Teen government official Edward Corristine, who was selected to work at the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Photo captured from X

According to reports, on August 3 in Washington, DC, Corristin was assaulted by a group of ten teenagers while trying to prevent a carjacking. The group is also said to have stolen Corristin's black iPhone.

President Trump criticized the incident, stating, "Crime in Washington, DC is completely out of control," and added, "Local youths and gangs, some as young as 14 to 16 years old, are randomly attacking citizens, committing robberies, and engaging in shootings."

He went on to say, "The victim (Corristin) was also brutally assaulted by thugs," and emphasized, "Washington, DC must be a safe, clean, and beautiful city for all Americans and for the world to see."

He further pointed out, "These perpetrators commit these acts knowing they will be released immediately." President Trump argued, "They are not afraid of law enforcement because they know nothing will happen to them. The law must be changed. Juveniles should be prosecuted as adults and imprisoned for long periods starting at age 14."

In Washington, DC, when a person under the age of 18 faces criminal charges, the case is handled in juvenile court unless it involves a felony or the individual has a prior record.

President Trump reiterated, "If Washington, DC cannot stand on its own and take swift action, the federal government will have no choice but to take control," and added, "We must send a warning to criminals that there will be no more leniency. If this situation continues, I will exercise my authority to place this city under federal control."