Trump threatens full Federal Control over Washington DC to reduce Crime

Trump Threatens Full Federal Control Over Washington DC to reduce Crime

Background on Federal Authority Over D.C.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to place Washington, D.C., under full federal control to reduce crime, despite city officials noting that crime rates are already declining.
While the president has some authority over the city’s police force and National Guard, a complete federal takeover would likely face legal challenges.

Constitutional Authority Over the District

The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1787, created a federal capital district as the permanent seat of government.
Congress was granted complete legislative authority over the district but has historically delegated some day-to-day municipal governance to other entities.

How Washington, D.C., Is Governed

Under the 1973 Home Rule Act, residents gained the right to elect a mayor and council with limited autonomy to pass local laws.
Congress retains budgetary oversight and can overturn local legislation — most recently in 2023, when it reversed changes to local laws that lowered certain criminal penalties.

Control of Law Enforcement in D.C.

The city’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is overseen by Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser.
However, the Home Rule Act allows the president to assume control of the MPD during emergencies if “special conditions of an emergency nature exist.”
A presidential takeover is limited to 30 days unless extended by Congress.

On Monday, Trump invoked this provision, declaring a “crime emergency” and asserting federal control over the MPD.
Bowser disputed the claim, citing record-low violent crime levels in recent decades. While violent crime rose in 2023, it fell by 35% in 2024 and an additional 26% in the first seven months of 2025.

Trump also holds direct authority over the D.C. National Guard, unlike in other states, and announced the deployment of 800 troops to the capital.

Possibility of Full Federalization

A full federal takeover of D.C. is considered unlikely.
To achieve it, Trump would need Congress to repeal the Home Rule Act, requiring 60 Senate votes. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority and Democrats largely supporting home rule, this path appears politically unfeasible.

Alternative Ways Trump Can Increase Control

Trump has already directed federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to increase their presence in the city.
He has reassigned FBI personnel from around the country to assist with immigration enforcement.
In March, he signed an executive order to make D.C. “safe and beautiful,” creating a task force to boost police visibility, enhance immigration enforcement, and speed up concealed carry licensing.

Homelessness in Washington, D.C.

Trump has stated that homeless individuals must leave Washington, promising to provide alternative housing “far from the Capital.”
The federal government, which owns much of the city’s parkland, can clear encampments in those areas, as was done under President Joe Biden.
However, legal experts note that the federal government cannot compel individuals to leave the city solely due to lack of shelter.

“Trump threatens full Federal Control over Washington DC to reduce Crime” “Trump threatens full Federal Control over Washington DC to reduce Crime” “Trump threatens full Federal Control over Washington DC to reduce Crime” “Trump threatens full Federal Control over Washington DC to reduce Crime”