Attorney General Pam Bondi and a group of senior White House officials met with Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the city’s police chief, Pamela Smith, at the Department of Justice headquarters on Tuesday to discuss the federalization of the nation’s capital. The meeting took place in the wake of President Donald Trump’s announcement that he planned to temporarily federalize the city, including the deployment of National Guard troops and the assumption of control over the local police force, citing the 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act. During the gathering, Bowser underscored the importance of collaboration with federal agencies to ensure that any additional resources provided are used effectively, while expressing her confidence in the coordination between local and federal law enforcement to combat crime and improve public safety in the city.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bowser emphasized the strategic focus on utilizing the National Guard and federal officers to bolster the city’s efforts in reducing violent crime. She commended the work of Chief Smith and reaffirmed D.C.’s commitment to maintaining a safe environment for its residents and visitors. Bondi, who described the meeting as ‘productive,’ reiterated the administration’s dedication to enhancing public safety in D.C. by working closely with local authorities. Meanwhile, local officials and the DC Police Union expressed cautious support for the plan, underscoring their belief that the federal takeover should remain a temporary measure to avoid long-term implications for the city’s governance.
Trump has repeatedly called for a ‘clean up’ of D.C., a city he has criticized as ‘crime-ridden’ and ‘horribly run.’ His decision to deploy federal resources follows a March executive order establishing a ‘Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force’ aimed at addressing the city’s alleged issues with crime, cleanliness, and governance. Despite Trump’s criticisms, Bowser pointed out that crime rates have decreased in recent months, attributing the progress to ongoing local efforts. She also acknowledged the administration’s actions but stressed that D.C. would continue operating independently, ensuring that residents remain proud of their city’s management.
While the temporary federalization of the city remains a controversial move, both local and federal officials are emphasizing the shared goal of improving public safety. Bondi and the administration have expressed confidence that the collaboration with D.C. officials will lead to effective outcomes, while local representatives are calling for transparency and careful implementation of the plan to ensure the city’s interests are protected. The situation continues to draw public attention, with ongoing discussions about the balance between federal intervention and local governance in addressing the challenges facing the nation’s capital.