Power Pact Strike Between Washington D.C. and Trump Administration Post Police Authority Seizure - Drynegotiation between Washington and the Trumpadministration post-takeover of the police department
In a recent development, the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has come under federal control, following an emergency declaration by President Trump on August 11, 2025. This move was made under section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, temporarily transferring control from the local D.C. city government to the federal government.
The federal government's deployment of the D.C. National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies in the city was justified by citing "out-of-control" violent crime. However, city and federal statistics reported historically low violent crime rates, causing controversy and disagreement among local officials and the White House.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and other local officials have rejected the notion of a "takeover" of local police control, emphasizing that crime remains at a 30-year low. A power struggle has persisted between the D.C. city government and the White House, with the law requiring the President to notify and get congressional approval within 30 days, indicating ongoing legal and political contention.
The agreement regarding this matter was announced at a press conference by Washington's Attorney General, Brian Schwalb. Schwalb stated that the police chief in the city is appointed by the mayor, as per the agreement. He also emphasized that the control of the city's police had been resolved, but it is legally clear that the city's police are under the command of the police chief appointed by the mayor.
Schwalb has been vocal in his opposition to the federal takeover, calling it a "hostile takeover" that violates the law. He has also called for the order by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, which placed the police of Washington under federal control, to be immediately rescinded. Schwalb has sued the Trump administration over the takeover of the capital police.
The US capital, being a stronghold of the Democratic Party, has seen criticism from some quarters accusing President Trump of right-wing rhetoric and an attempt to expand his power. The situation remains unresolved amid disputes over legality, crime data, and authority. As of late August 2025, the future of the MPD's control remains uncertain, with possible reversion depending on congressional action and local pushback.
- The power struggle between the D.C. city government and the White House, initiated by President Trump's takeover of the MPD, has led to increased political discussions, especially concerning the tactics of the US President and his perceived expansion of power.
- Amidst the ongoing contestation, Brian Schwalb, Washington's Attorney General, has taken legal action against the Trump administration, aiming to rescind the order that placed the MPD under federal control, and and claimed that the order constitutes a hostile takeover violating the law.
