9:21President Donald Trump responds to inquiries from journalists in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
On Monday, President Donald Trump declared that he is placing the Washington, D.C. police “under direct federal supervision” — invoking Section 740 of the Home Rule Act of D.C., which pertains to the oversight of the city’s police force.
"We are reclaiming it. Utilizing the powers granted to me as the President of the United States, I am formally invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. You’re aware of what that entails — and placing the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal oversight," Trump stated.
Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C. stated on Monday that the district will comply with Trump’s directives, but emphasized the importance of D.C. making its own choices and supported D.C. statehood. Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department mentioned that the department will collaborate with federal partners, as it has done previously.
"While this action today is disconcerting and without precedent, I can’t express surprise given some of the past rhetoric," Bowser remarked.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser addresses the media as Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith listens during a press conference following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department at the Wilson Building, August 11, 2025 in Washington.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Trump has persistently threatened to assume control of D.C., asserting his desire to tackle violent crime in the district, even though police data indicates that violent crime in Washington, D.C. has decreased significantly over the last two years.
The Home Rule Act of 1973 permits D.C. residents to elect a mayor, members of the D.C. Council, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. The act "represents the ongoing efforts by District residents to gain control over their local governance," as stated by the D.C. Council.
Nonetheless, the act stipulates congressional oversight. Congress reviews all legislation enacted by the D.C. Council before it can become law and holds authority over D.C.’s budget. Furthermore, the president appoints D.C.’s judges, and D.C. lacks voting representation in Congress.
President Donald Trump addresses questions from the press in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington.Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Section 740 of the Home Rule Act grants the president the authority to utilize D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department for "federal purposes" that the president "may find necessary and suitable." On Monday, Trump announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi is taking charge of D.C.’s police force.
Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act does have certain restrictions. The emergency control will conclude in 30 days unless both the Senate and House pass a joint resolution to prolong it.
When questioned about the 30-day period on ABC News Live, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro remarked that the president has communicated a "very clear message" regarding the course he intends to take with D.C.
"I believe that at the conclusion of 30 days, he will make the appropriate decision on how to proceed from that point onward," she stated.
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton — the non-voting representative for Washington, D.C. in the House of Representatives — termed Trump’s decision "an outrageous infringement on D.C. home rule."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
