President Donald Trump announced Wednesday he is considering a federal takeover of Washington D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department amid concerns about crime in the nation's capital. The president's remarks came during a White House event where he also suggested deploying the National Guard to address safety issues in the city.
According to NBC News, this threat follows Trump's earlier statement on Tuesday, where he suggested taking federal control of the local government in Washington. The escalation came after Edward Coristine, described as a staffer from the Department of Government Efficiency, was assaulted over the weekend.
When asked directly by a reporter if taking over the city's police department was "an option on the table," Trump confirmed it was under consideration. He cited concerns about public safety in the capital, specifically mentioning the recent assault on Coristine, whom he described as a "beautiful, handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him."
Previous National Guard Deployments Set Precedent
This would not mark the first time a Trump administration has deployed the National Guard to Washington D.C. During protests following George Floyd's murder in 2020, National Guard troops were brought in despite opposition from Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat. The deployment created tension between local and federal authorities over control of the city's security operations.
Just two months ago, Trump ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid immigration-related protests. That action faced legal challenges regarding the president's authority to deploy troops domestically without state request. Similar legal questions would likely arise with any unilateral action in Washington.
Despite Trump's claims about crime in the capital, official Metropolitan Police Department data shows violent crime in Washington is down 26% so far this year. This statistical reality contrasts with the president's characterization of the city as "very unsafe" with a high "rate of muggings, killings and everything else."
Complex Legal Path To Federal Control
Taking over parts of the District of Columbia would involve a combination of congressional and unilateral presidential actions. While experts suggest Trump could potentially assume control of the police department under certain emergency conditions, such a move would likely face immediate legal challenges in court.
A complete federal takeover of Washington D.C. would require Congress to repeal the 1973 Home Rule Act. This legislation grants residents the right to elect their own city government and has been the foundation of limited self-governance in the District for decades. Both the House and Senate would need to vote for repeal.
The relationship between federal authority and Washington's local government has long been a point of contention. The District has a unique status where its laws and budget remain subject to congressional oversight, despite having local elected officials including a mayor and city council.
Support From Trump-Appointed Officials
Jeanine Pirro, recently appointed as U.S. attorney for Washington, expressed strong support for the president's potential actions during a Wednesday night Fox News interview. "It's up to the president," Pirro stated regarding federal intervention in D.C. governance.
"If that's what we need to do to get it done, that's what he should do. And I support the president," Pirro continued. Her comments indicate alignment between Trump and his appointed officials on the matter of increased federal control over the District.
The president has previously expressed interest in assuming greater control over Washington's government. This latest threat represents an escalation of that long-standing position, though the practical implementation would face significant political and legal hurdles.
Historical Context And Constitutional Questions
Trump's threats raise fundamental questions about federalism and local autonomy in the nation's capital. Washington D.C. occupies a unique position in American governance, neither a state nor fully under federal control since the passage of home rule legislation in the 1970s.
Mayor Bowser's office declined to comment on Trump's latest remarks. The silence may reflect the complex political dynamics at play, as the mayor must balance advocating for local autonomy while maintaining a working relationship with federal authorities. The District government has frequently found itself at odds with federal policies.
Constitutional scholars note that any attempt to federalize local police would likely trigger immediate court challenges regarding executive authority and the rights of District residents. The outcome would depend on judicial interpretation of presidential emergency powers versus local governance rights.
