President Donald Trump announced a controversial move on Monday, stating that he is placing the Washington, D.C. police under direct federal control. This decision was made by invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia’s Home Rule Act, which outlines how the city’s police force can be managed.
“We’re taking it back. Under the authorities vested in me as the President of the United States, I’m officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. You know what that is — and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control,” Trump declared.
In response, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged that the district would comply with Trump’s orders but emphasized the need for D.C. to govern itself. She reiterated her advocacy for D.C. statehood, stating, “While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can’t say that given some of the rhetoric of the past that we’re totally surprised.”
Critics argue that Trump’s action is unnecessary, especially given the recent statistics indicating a significant decline in violent crime in the district over the past two years. The D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973 permits local residents to elect their own mayor, council members, and neighborhood commissioners, a significant step towards self-governance. However, this act still subjects D.C. to congressional oversight, where Congress can review all D.C. Council legislation before it becomes law and controls the district’s budget.
Additionally, the President has the authority to appoint judges in D.C., and residents do not have voting representation in Congress. Section 740 specifically allows the President to deploy D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department for federal purposes deemed necessary. On Monday, Trump announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi would be taking command of the D.C. police force.
It’s important to note that Section 740 has certain limitations; the federal control initiated by Trump will expire in 30 days unless a joint resolution to extend it is enacted by both the Senate and House. When asked about this timeframe, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that the president’s intentions are clearly communicated and suggested that he would make an informed decision after the initial period.
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, a non-voting House delegate from D.C., condemned Trump’s decision, labeling it an “egregious assault on D.C. home rule.” She highlighted that over 700,000 residents of D.C. are capable of governing themselves and emphasized the need for her statehood bill to ensure that D.C. receives the same protections as other states.
Additionally, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin also criticized Trump’s declaration, announcing plans to introduce a resolution to reverse what he deemed a “plainly ridiculous” state of local emergency and to restore the full home rule powers to D.C.’s officials. Although it’s unclear when Raskin’s legislation will be introduced, the House remained on recess, but he may bring it up during a pro-forma session, allowing for earlier consideration.
Many Democrats on Capitol Hill have characterized Trump’s actions as a power grab aimed at diverting attention from other pressing issues, including Trump’s controversies surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed skepticism over Trump’s justification, stating, “Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at a thirty-year low. Donald Trump has no basis to take over the local police department. And zero credibility on the issue of law and order. Get lost.”
Senator Chris Murphy echoed this sentiment, arguing that Trump’s decision is not rooted in a genuine desire for public safety but is instead a distraction from his personal legal troubles.
Senator Patty Murray went further, calling Trump a “pathetic wannabe dictator” whose actions serve only to deflect from his connections to contentious issues, like the Epstein files and economic challenges in the country.
In contrast, Republicans praised the announcement, claiming that Trump’s actions will help restore safety in D.C. House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted, “President Trump is RIGHT. We can’t allow crime to destroy our Nation’s Capital. Every American should be able to visit and enjoy Washington, D.C. without fear. House Republicans support this effort to CLEAN UP Washington, END the crime wave, and RESTORE the beauty of the greatest capital in the world.”
Similarly, Republican Senator Josh Hawley expressed support for Trump’s decision, calling for D.C. to be both beautiful and safe again.
As the situation unfolds, the future of D.C.’s police under federal control remains uncertain, with various political figures preparing to challenge or support this unprecedented move. All eyes are now on how Congress will respond and whether the control will persist beyond the initial 30-day period set forth by the Home Rule Act.
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