President Donald Trump has proposed bypassing congressional oversight to maintain federal control over Washington’s police force beyond the initial 30-day federal takeover, suggesting he could declare a national emergency to justify an extended takeover. During his speech at the Kennedy Center, Trump indicated the possibility of using emergency powers to prolong the federal control, although he emphasized the need for congressional support. The move comes amid ongoing efforts to secure backing from congressional Republicans to pass a crime bill targeting Washington and other major cities.
Earlier this week, Trump invoked the Home Rule Act, effectively transferring control of Washington’s police to the executive branch for up to 3,0 days. Beyond this period, the president would have to seek congressional approval to extend the takeover. However, Trump has suggested that he might circumvent Congress by declaring a national emergency if lawmakers fail to approve an extension, a move that could further intensify tensions with Capitol Hill. The administration is actively courting support from congressional Republicans to push through a proposed crime bill that initially focuses on Washington but is intended as a model for other cities such as New York and Chicago.
Trump has also hinted at requesting a small amount of funding from Congress to address infrastructure issues in the capital, including repairing potholes and removing medians from city streets. While D.C. leadership initially expressed discomfort with the federal intervention, Mayor Muriel Bowser has maintained that the city would comply with Trump’s order. Trump, however, has remained critical of D.C. statehood, dismissing the long-standing push for statehood as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘unacceptable,’ arguing that the city’s current status as a federal district is preferable to gaining two additional Senate seats.
Earlier this summer, Trump’s administration drew criticism when he deployed the National Guard to help quell protests against immigration detention sweeps in Los Angeles. The administration’s actions have faced backlash not only in D.C. but also in other cities across the country. Meanwhile, local leaders in Washington continue to challenge the accuracy of Trump’s claims regarding a surge in violent crime, arguing that the city has seen a significant decline in such incidents over the past decade.
The potential for a prolonged federal takeover of D.C. police has sparked discussions among legal experts and analysts about the implications of such a move. If Trump’s plan to extend federal control is successful, it could set a precedent for executive power in law enforcement and raise questions about the balance of authority between the executive and legislative branches. The situation highlights the broader political struggle between the Trump administration and Congress, especially on matters of law enforcement and urban policy.