Sources: Le Monde and AFP
According to reports from AFP and Le Monde, Donald Trump's directive to place the Washington D.C. police under federal authority and deploy 800 National Guard troops has led to a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who describes the federal intervention in the city’s police force as a "hostile takeover." Trump defends this action as essential for addressing rising violent crime and homelessness in the capital. A hearing on the matter is set for 2:00 PM local time.
Earlier this week, Trump announced that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would come under federal control and also deployed 800 National Guard troops to the streets. Following this, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole as the "emergency" police commissioner.
In his court filing, Schwalb argued that federal law does not permit such an overt infringement on the District's governance. "The defendants have unlawfully taken control of MPD, including inserting themselves into the chain of command and issuing directives," he stated.
"By initiating this takeover of MPD, the administration is misusing its temporary authority under the Home Rule Act, undermining the District's self-governance and jeopardizing the safety of D.C. residents and visitors," Schwalb expressed on social media. "This act disrespects the dignity and autonomy of the 700,000 Americans living in D.C."
Schwalb is seeking a temporary restraining order against Bondi's appointment and requests that the court declare Trump's executive order as exceeding his authority regarding the District of Columbia. The hearing will take place at 2:00 PM local time (1800 GMT).
Unique Status of Washington D.C.
As Le Monde reports, unlike the 50 states, Washington D.C. operates under a special relationship with the federal government, which limits its self-governance and gives Congress significant control over local issues. The Home Rule Act, enacted in the mid-1970s, allows residents to elect their mayor and city council, although Congress still holds sway over the city's budget.
Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser stated, "No statute grants a federal official authority over the District's personnel."
The predominantly Democratic city faces criticism from Republican leaders who claim it is overwhelmed by crime, homelessness, and poor financial management. However, police data indicate a significant decrease in violent crime from 2023 to 2024, following a post-pandemic spike. Bowser noted that violent crime is "at its lowest level in 30 years." Additionally, Washington ranks 15th among major U.S. cities for homelessness, according to last year's government statistics.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed a desire to clear homeless encampments, insisting that those without shelter be moved "far from the capital." On his Truth Social platform, he characterized Washington as "under siege from thugs and killers," alleging that crime rates are higher than in "many of the most violent Third World countries."
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