WASHINGTON — President Trump announced plans to ask Congress for long-term authority over the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C., beyond the 30-day limit imposed by law, while suggesting similar actions may follow in other U.S. cities.
“If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,” Trump said, affirming his intent to push the policy framework as a national template.
New York Post
Legal and Political Context
Under the Home Rule Act, the president may assume control of D.C.\’s police force for limited time during emergencies. Extending that authority requires Congressional approval—a difficult prospect given Democratic opposition.
Local Governance and Federalization
While Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith acknowledged federal support, they emphasized D.C.’s already declining violent crime rate and criticized the takeover as an authoritarian overreach. (AP News)
Broader Implications
Trump described D.C. as a \”beacon\” for other cities like New York and Chicago on law enforcement restructuring. Advocates and legal scholars warn such a move would challenge long-standing norms of local governance and raise constitutional issues.