House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has publicly endorsed President Donald Trump’s decision to take over the Washington, D.C., police department under federal control and is demanding that Mayor Muriel Bowser and other officials testify before the Republican-led panel. Comer called the action ‘rightly using executive power to crack down on crime and restore law and order in Washington, D.C.’ The move comes after Trump announced that he would place the Washington, D.C., police department under federal control and deploy the National Guard in the district.
The House Oversight Committee has stated it will call in Bowser, Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Council Chair Phil Mendelson to testify before the Republican-led panel, with the hearing expected to be held in September. Despite recent reports that violent crime in the district is on the decline, Trump has claimed that the situation is ‘totally out of control’ and has invoked a provision of the D.C. Home Rule Act to justify his seizure of control over the local police for up to 48 hours. However, to extend this beyond the 24-hour window, Trump needs approval from both the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
A spokesperson for the Oversight Committee told Fox News Digital that the White House has notified the panel of its intent to seek a longer takeover, but the Senate Homeland Security Committee has not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Crime in the district is on the decline, with violent crime down 26% this year compared to the same timeframe in 2024. Assaults with a dangerous weapon are down 20%, and homicides are down by 12%. The Fox News Digital reached out to Bowser, Mendelson, and Schwalb for comment but has not yet received any responses.
Trump’s actions have sparked debate about the legality of his moves and the potential impact on local governance in the district. While the current administration asserts that it is taking necessary measures to address the rising crime rates, critics argue that the data indicates a positive trend and that federal interference could undermine the autonomy of local authorities. The situation continues to be a focal point of political discourse, with the Republican-led House Oversight Committee pushing for transparency and accountability from the D.C. officials.
Meanwhile, the broader implications of Trump’s decision could extend beyond the immediate issue of crime, affecting the balance of power between the federal government and local municipalities. Lawmakers across the aisle are likely to scrutinize the implications of such a move, especially given the increased attention on the federalization of local law enforcement in other cities as well. As the situation unfolds, the outcome of these developments could shape the future of governance in Washington, D.C., and set a precedent for how similar actions are handled in the future.