The “Big Balls” trend on X (formerly Twitter) emerged after a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee was assaulted in Washington, D.C. The late teen’s workplace nickname, “Big Balls,” subsequently became a viral hashtag as users discussed the attack.
Why is ‘Big Balls’ trending on Twitter?
Former DOGE employee Edward Coristine, whose LinkedIn handle helped him get the nickname “Big Balls,” faced an assault during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C. The news of the attack led to social media users discussing the assault on “Big Balls.”
As per D.C. police, ten minors tried to take the car of the former DOGE employee while beating him. The Metropolitan Police Department revealed that Coristine was with a woman during the early hours of Sunday when a group of minors approached him. Coristine wanted to ensure the safety of his companion first before dealing with the intruders when they came close (via New York Post).
“At that point, for her safety, [Coristine] pushed his significant other … into the vehicle and turned to deal with the suspects,” the police report said. However, the “suspects then began to assault [Coristine].” Police who were in the area noticed the commotion.
When the officers exited their vehicle to approach Coristine’s car, “the juveniles began fleeing on foot.” So far, DC police have caught two minors. Coristine has identified the teenagers as his attackers. Both the teens, a fifteen-year-old male and female, were later arrested. They face the charge for unarmed carjacking.
President Donald Trump posted a photo of Coristine on August 5, speaking of the attack. He wrote on Truth Social, “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.”
He further said, “They are not afraid of Law Enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now!”
Trump asserted that laws regarding minors need to change. He argued that minors should face prosecution as “adults,” and authorities should “lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14.” He added, “Washington, D.C., must be safe, clean, and beautiful for all Americans and, importantly, for the World to see.”
