Washington Sues to Block Trump DC Police Takeover Amid Crackdown

WASHINGTON — The District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt President Donald Trump’s takeover of the city’s police department, setting the stage for a high-stakes constitutional clash over local autonomy and federal authority.

Filed Friday by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, the lawsuit demands an emergency restraining order, arguing that the move far exceeds presidential powers and undermines the rights of the city’s 700,000 residents.

“This is the gravest threat to Home Rule the District has ever faced, and we are fighting to stop it,” Schwalb said outside federal court.

The legal battle comes just hours after Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that DEA Administrator Terry Cole would assume “all powers and duties” of the D.C. police chief. Under the order, the Metropolitan Police Department must now obtain Cole’s approval before issuing directives.

Mayor Bowser Pushes Back

Mayor Muriel Bowser quickly rejected the directive, posting on social media that “there is no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”

The Justice Department declined to comment, while the White House did not immediately respond to requests.

The shift raises questions about the role of Police Chief Pamela Smith, who had earlier instructed officers to share information with immigration agencies about individuals not in custody. Bondi rescinded that directive, citing concerns over so-called “sanctuary policies” and removing MPD limits on immigration enforcement.

Federal Authority Tested

The Trump DC police takeover is one of the most sweeping federal interventions in a local government in modern U.S. history. Trump has cited an obscure statute and a declared state of emergency to justify the move, framing it as part of his broader tough-on-crime and immigration crackdown.

While the capital has seen spikes in violence and homelessness, its homicide rate remains lower than several other major U.S. cities. Critics argue the administration is exaggerating a public safety crisis to expand federal power.

A Heavy Federal Presence Across the City

Residents report a marked increase in federal force visibility. National Guard troops are now stationed at landmarks, nightlife areas, and transit hubs. Humvees have appeared outside Union Station, DEA agents patrol The Wharf, and Secret Service officers monitor Foggy Bottom.

The Pentagon confirmed that 800 Guard members have been activated for monument security, crowd control, and “beautification efforts.” Checkpoints have been set up in nightlife districts, prompting public protests.

National Guard Major Micah Maxwell said troops have been trained in de-escalation tactics and will assist law enforcement in traffic control and community patrols. Guard deployments in D.C. are not unusual for major events but are rarely tied to direct federal control over local policing.

Political and Legal Stakes

Trump can maintain direct control of federal law enforcement in D.C. for 30 days before congressional review. He has signaled he will “re-evaluate” as the deadline approaches, leaving the possibility of extension open.

For Bowser and Schwalb, the lawsuit is about defending D.C.’s right to govern itself — a fight that resonates with long-standing statehood advocates. For the administration, it is a test of how far presidential authority can stretch in the name of public safety and immigration enforcement.

The outcome of this battle will likely set a precedent for the balance of power between local governments and the federal executive — not just in Washington, but potentially in other cities facing federal intervention.

SOURCE: AP News