Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner drew sharp criticism this week after telling a crowd he looks forward to the day he obtains a piece of the White House ballroom “after we blow it up.” He said he would keep it as a paperweight, then quickly added the clarification “in an official ceremony, just so we’re clear.”
Krasner, the city’s top prosecutor, made the comments at a public event. He is a progressive district attorney who has received significant financial support from George Soros-backed networks in past campaigns. Critics argue that support has encouraged policies that deprioritize certain criminal prosecutions.
The ballroom project is being built with substantial private funding, a fact Krasner’s remarks appeared to overlook when he suggested taxpayers deserved their money back. Legal observers note that public officials discussing the destruction of federal property—even in jest or as metaphor—can attract scrutiny under laws protecting government facilities.
This is not the first time Krasner has used strong language against federal authorities. He previously referred to ICE agents as “wannabe Nazis,” vowed to “hunt you down,” and promised to arrest federal immigration officers operating in Philadelphia. He has also stated that the president cannot pardon them and that he intends to put agents “in handcuffs” and “in a jail cell.”
Meanwhile, Philadelphia continues to struggle with one of the higher homicide rates among major U.S. cities. Krasner’s approach has emphasized reduced incarceration and limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, positions that supporters call reform-minded and critics call soft on crime.
Krasner also resisted a congressional subpoena from Rep. Jim Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee for months, sending a lawyer rather than documents and describing the investigation as “baseless.” The latest remarks about the White House ballroom, combined with earlier threats toward federal officers, have intensified calls for the Secret Service and FBI to examine whether any lines were crossed.