President Donald Trump and former DOGE chief Elon Musk confirmed on Tuesday that a cost-cutting DOGE department employee was mugged and beaten in Washington, D.C.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2025
Though neither Trump nor Musk named the individual, a social media post by Rapid Response 47 included a photo suggesting the victim was “Big Balls,” real name Edward Coristine.
Trump Slams Crime Surge, Threatens Federal Takeover of D.C.
In a fiery statement posted to Truth Social, Trump criticized D.C.’s spiraling crime rates and warned of potential federal action:
“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!”
He added a bold warning:
“If this continues, I am going to exert my powers, and FEDERALIZE this City. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Musk Details Attack: “He Saved Her”
Elon Musk, who previously led DOGE before stepping down as Trump’s adviser, shared his account of the incident on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
Musk also stated that just days ago, “a gang of about a dozen young men tried to assault a woman in her car at night in D.C.”
Was It ‘Big Balls’?
While there’s no official confirmation, a tweet by Rapid Response 47 included a photo suggesting the victim was Edward Coristine, known online as “Big Balls.”
One widely shared post read:
“Eight black men tried to assault a young woman alone in her car late at night in D.C. Big Balls tried to get them to stop. So naturally, the pack of black men assaulted him too. Because of course they did.”
The identity has not been confirmed by officials at the time of publication.
