President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he will seek congressional approval to extend federal control over Washington, D.C.’s police force beyond the 30-day limit allowed under current law. The move comes after his unprecedented decision to temporarily take command of the Metropolitan Police Department, citing what he calls a “crime crisis” in the capital—an assessment local leaders dispute.
Speaking at the Kennedy Center, Trump said he plans to introduce a crime bill targeting D.C. as a “positive example” for the nation, with the goal of securing long-term authority over the city’s police. He also hinted that, if deemed a national emergency, he could bypass Congress altogether.
The president signaled his intent to push similar policies in other Democratic-led cities, singling out New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He criticized D.C.’s cash-bail reform and dismissed the city’s push for statehood as a “ridiculous” bid for more Democratic seats in the Senate.
Federal agents and National Guard troops have already been deployed across the capital, making 43 arrests Tuesday night—double the previous evening’s total—according to the White House. Offenses ranged from DUI to illegal firearm possession. The show of force involved over 1,450 officers, though only 30 of the expected 800 Guard members have arrived so far.
Local officials argue the crackdown is politically motivated, noting that crime in D.C. fell to a 30-year low last year. Mayor Muriel Bowser accused Trump of an “authoritarian push” and urged voters to protect the city’s autonomy.
Despite the backlash, the administration says the heightened federal presence will continue, with more Guard troops and round-the-clock patrols in the days ahead—potentially setting the stage for similar federal interventions nationwide.
