Summary
President Trump's control over Washington, D.C.'s police is set to expire, having been initiated under the Home Rule Act during a declared "crime emergency." The Home Rule Act allows such federal control for 30 days, but no further extension seems forthcoming as Congress has not signaled any intent to authorize it.
Key Facts
- President Trump declared a "crime emergency" in D.C. on August 11, 2025, taking control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
- This takeover was possible under the 1973 Home Rule Act but is limited to 30 days unless Congress extends it.
- Trump's control over the D.C. police expires soon, with Congress not showing plans to approve an extension.
- D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was credited by Trump for the cooperation and reduction in crime rates, though she insists the federal presence is not ideal.
- Bowser has issued an order to maintain cooperation with federal law enforcement without extending Trump's control.
- A proposed emergency police commissioner by the Trump administration was blocked by the courts.
- D.C. police, under federal oversight, have engaged in activities like setting up traffic checkpoints, arresting over 1,669 people.
- The issue of police control has moved to legislative discussions, with Congress currently not supporting further federal intervention.
