White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended President Donald Trump’s efforts to improve Washington, D.C., arguing that the administration has delivered on campaign promises to make the nation’s capital safer and more attractive while accusing Democrats of opposing those improvements.

Leavitt made the remarks while responding to criticism and protests directed at the administration’s initiatives in the city.

“It is obviously the news of the day, and it is completely ridiculous,” Leavitt said.

She specifically referenced demonstrators who appeared in themed costumes protesting the administration’s efforts.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

“It's unbelievable to see these people, these deranged leftists in algae costumes with team algae on their backs. What does that even mean?” Leavitt said.

Leavitt argued that opposition to the administration’s initiatives reflects a broader unwillingness among Democrats to support efforts aimed at improving the appearance and quality of life in the nation’s capital.

“Only the Democrats could hate beautifying our nation's capital and making it a symbol of pride again,” Leavitt said.

According to Leavitt, restoring Washington, D.C., was a central promise of Trump’s campaign and one that voters specifically supported.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

“But this is what the American people elected President Trump to do. He made this promise to them on the campaign trail that he was going to make our nation's capital both safe and beautiful again, and it is a promise that he has kept,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt pointed to public safety improvements as evidence that the administration’s approach is working.

“With respect to safety, violent crime has plummeted the city as the safest it's been in generations,” she said.

She specifically cited a significant decline in homicides.

“Murders are down 40%,” Leavitt said.

Beyond crime reduction, Leavitt highlighted several projects that she said have visibly improved conditions throughout the city.

“With respect to the beautification of the city, I live here, working, of course, at the White House, and you can see it with your own eyes as you travel throughout the city,” Leavitt said.

Among the changes she identified were the removal of homeless encampments and improvements to public spaces.

“The homeless encampments are gone, you see, the parks are cleaned up,” Leavitt said.

She also pointed to restoration work carried out on historic landmarks and monuments.

“The President has restored more than 120 monuments across the city,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt further noted infrastructure improvements completed by the National Park Service.

“The National Park Service has used more than 150 tons of material to clean up the potholes that everybody hates,” she said.

According to Leavitt, these projects represent the type of government spending taxpayers expect and support.

“And I don't know about you and your audience, but this is the type of work that I want to see our tax dollars going towards, making our nation's capital and our nation's cities safe and beautiful again,” Leavitt said.

She emphasized that the benefits extend beyond tourists visiting Washington and also improve daily life for local residents.

“For not just tourists, but the residents who live here,” Leavitt said.

Leavitt concluded by arguing that longstanding problems in the District are finally being addressed under the Trump administration.

“This is a very real problem in the district. It has been for a while. President Trump is solving it,” Leavitt said.

She ended by again criticizing Democratic opposition to the administration’s efforts.

“Leave it to the deranged Democrats to be against,” Leavitt said.

WATCH:

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.