President Donald Trump is considering a federal takeover of Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department and potential deployment of the National Guard to address what he describes as unacceptable crime levels in the nation's capital.
According to NBC News, the president's comments came a day after he threatened to federalize control of the local government in Washington. The escalation follows an assault on Edward Coristine, a former staffer of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), over the weekend.
When asked by a reporter during a White House event if taking over the Metropolitan Police Department was "an option on the table," Trump confirmed this possibility. He expressed particular concern about the assault on Coristine, describing him as a "beautiful, handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him."
Trump's National Guard Deployment Considerations
The president indicated he might quickly deploy the National Guard to address crime in Washington. "What a shame, rate of crime, the rate of muggings, killings and everything else, we're not going to let it, and that includes bringing in the National Guard, maybe very quickly, too," Trump stated during the White House event.
This would not be the first time Trump has mobilized the National Guard in the District of Columbia. Following protests after George Floyd's murder in 2020, some of which turned violent, National Guard troops were deployed despite opposition from Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat.
Just two months ago, Trump sent National Guard forces to Los Angeles during immigration enforcement protests, a move that faced legal challenges. Bowser's office declined to comment on Trump's latest threats regarding D.C. law enforcement.
Legal Pathway For Federal Control
Taking over parts of the District of Columbia would require a combination of congressional actions and unilateral presidential decisions. Experts have noted that while Trump could theoretically assume control of the police force, such action would require some "justifying emergency" and would likely face court challenges.
A complete federal takeover of Washington, D.C. would be more complicated, requiring Congress to repeal the 1973 Home Rule Act. This legislation currently grants District residents the right to elect their own city government and would need both House and Senate approval to overturn.
Trump has previously expressed interest in assuming control of Washington's government. The District currently operates with limited self-governance, with its laws and budget subject to congressional oversight.
Support From Trump Administration Officials
Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., publicly backed the president's potential plans during a Fox News interview Wednesday night. "It's up to the president," Pirro stated during the broadcast.
She expressed unequivocal support for whatever action Trump might take, adding, "If that's what we need to do to get it done, that's what he should do. And I support the president." Her comments represent one of the first public endorsements from a Trump administration official regarding the potential federal takeover.
The president's comments about crime rates come despite Metropolitan Police Department data showing violent crime in Washington has decreased by 26% so far this year. This statistical reality contrasts with Trump's characterization of the city as "very unsafe."
Historical Context Of DC Governance
Washington, D.C.'s unique governance structure has long been a point of political contention. The District's limited home rule status means residents elect local officials but remain subject to congressional oversight in ways that residents of states do not experience.
This is not the first time federal intervention in District affairs has been proposed. Various administrations have exercised different levels of influence over Washington's governance throughout history, but a complete takeover would represent an unprecedented modern development.
The current tensions highlight the complex relationship between the federal government and the District of Columbia. If implemented, Trump's proposed actions would significantly impact local governance and potentially set new precedents for federal-municipal relations in the nation's capital.
