On Monday, President Donald Trump made a significant announcement, declaring that he is placing the Washington, D.C. police under direct federal control. This decision comes as he invokes Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act, which pertains to the management of the city's police force. "We're taking it back. Under the authorities vested in me as the President of the United States, I'm officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control," Trump stated.
In response to Trump's announcement, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser indicated that the city will comply with his directives. However, she emphasized the importance of D.C. making its own decisions and reiterated her support for D.C. statehood. "While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can't say that given some of the rhetoric of the past that we're totally surprised," Bowser commented.
Trump has long voiced his intent to take control of D.C. to address issues related to violent crime. However, police statistics reveal that violent crime in Washington, D.C. has significantly decreased over the past two years. Despite this decline, Trump maintains that federal oversight is necessary to ensure the safety of the nation’s capital.
The D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973 allows residents of D.C. to elect their mayor, members of the D.C. Council, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners, reflecting a long-standing demand for local governance. Nevertheless, the act also stipulates that Congress retains oversight over D.C.'s legislation and budget. Furthermore, the president has the authority to appoint judges in D.C., and the district lacks voting representation in Congress.
Section 740 of the Home Rule Act grants the president the power to deploy D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department for federal purposes deemed necessary. As part of this new directive, Trump announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi will take command of the D.C. police force. It is important to note that this federal control is temporary, lasting for 30 days unless Congress enacts a joint resolution to extend it.
In light of Trump's decision, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the non-voting delegate from D.C., condemned the move as an "egregious assault on D.C. home rule." She highlighted the capability of D.C.'s more than 700,000 residents to govern themselves and reiterated her push for a statehood bill that would grant D.C. the same protections as other states. Norton argued that this situation underscores the necessity for D.C. to gain control over its own resources.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, announced plans to introduce a resolution aimed at reversing the "plainly ridiculous" state of emergency and restoring full home rule powers to D.C.'s mayor, council, and residents. Although it is unclear when he will introduce this legislation, Raskin's commitment to restoring local governance reflects a broader Democratic push against Trump’s actions.
On Capitol Hill, many Democrats view Trump's actions as a power grab, detracting from pressing issues, including his ties to the Jeffrey Epstein files. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump's move, stating, "Donald Trump has no basis to take over the local police department and zero credibility on the issue of law and order." Similarly, Sen. Chris Murphy argued that the decision is more about political distraction than public safety.
Conversely, many Republicans have praised Trump’s announcement, framing it as a necessary step to restore safety in D.C. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support, asserting that every American should feel secure when visiting the capital. Sen. Josh Hawley echoed these sentiments, supporting Trump's aim to "Make D.C. beautiful — and SAFE — again!"
The ongoing debate surrounding the federal control of D.C.'s police force highlights the complex interplay of power, governance, and public safety in the nation’s capital, making it a pivotal issue as discussions regarding D.C. statehood continue to unfold.
