11.08.2025 22:40

President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order on Monday, asserting federal control over Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This dramatic action, justified by the administration as a necessary response to rising crime rates, places the city's police force under temporary federal command. The deployment of National Guard troops further underscores the significant federal intervention in the nation's capital.

The president's authority stems from the Home Rule Act governing Washington, D.C., which grants the executive branch the power to utilize the MPD for federal purposes during emergencies. This temporary takeover is limited to a 30-day period, subject to Congressional extension. However, the legality of this unprecedented move remains contentious, with the District's Attorney General already voicing strong objections.

Unlike previous instances of deploying the National Guard to other U.S. cities, which faced considerable legal hurdles, Trump's actions in D.C. enjoy a stronger legal basis. Federal law grants the president broader authority over the District's National Guard, limiting potential legal challenges associated with this deployment.

Despite the seemingly clear legal standing regarding the National Guard, the president's seizure of control over the MPD has sparked immediate controversy. Washington, D.C.'s Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, has vehemently denounced the actions as unlawful and unwarranted, promising to explore all available legal avenues to challenge the executive order. The coming weeks will likely see legal battles unfold, testing the boundaries of the Home Rule Act and the president's powers within the nation's capital. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further legal challenges and political ramifications.