Trump Takes Temporary Control of Washington DC Police

President Donald Trump has invoked the 1973 Home Rule Act to declare a public safety emergency and temporarily take control of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, marking the first use of this provision. Under this authority, Attorney General Pam Bondi is appointed to oversee the police, with plans to deploy around 800 National Guard troops and federal agents, including FBI personnel, for patrols. The takeover sidelines D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and reduces the district's autonomy for up to 30 days unless Congress approves an extension. Local leaders and residents express concern, viewing the move as an erosion of the district’s self-governance and warning against potential expansion of similar federal takeovers in other Democratic-led cities. The action has sparked controversy, with critics comparing it to authoritarian overreach and highlighting the political nature of the decision, while some local police unions support the temporary measure to address rising crime and officer shortages. Congress's role remains pivotal to either end or extend the takeover, and debates continue over the balance between federal intervention and D.C.'s home rule rights.