In a striking move, President Donald Trump has declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., seizing control of the local police force and deploying the National Guard to address crime in the nation’s capital.
According to Fox News, this development comes as the House Oversight Committee calls for D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, to testify on crime issues, despite a reported decline in violent crime in the district.
On Monday, the House Oversight Committee announced its demand for key Washington, D.C., officials to appear at a hearing focused on crime in the district. Those summoned include Mayor Muriel Bowser, Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Council Chair Phil Mendelson. The hearing is scheduled for September, after lawmakers return from their month-long break from Washington.
Amid these developments, President Trump made a bold announcement, invoking a section of the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the D.C. police department under federal authority. This action allows him to control the local police for an initial period of 48 hours. Additionally, Trump has deployed the National Guard to the district as part of his emergency measures.
The president declared a public safety emergency, emphasizing his intent to restore order in the capital. In his words, "Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of violent youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, and we’re not going to let it happen anymore." This statement reflects the urgency he associates with the situation in Washington, D.C.
To extend federal control of the D.C. police beyond the initial 48 hours, Trump must gain approval from the House Oversight Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. If he wishes to maintain authority for up to 30 days, a special notice to the oversight panels is required. Beyond that timeframe, a joint resolution from both the House and Senate becomes necessary for any further extension.
The White House has already informed the House Oversight Committee of its intention to surpass the 48-hour limit, as confirmed by a committee spokesperson. This move suggests a longer-term federal presence in managing D.C.’s public safety operations. The Senate Homeland Security Committee was also contacted for comment by Fox News Digital, though a response has not yet been received.
House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., expressed strong backing for Trump’s intervention in the district. He stated, "Rightly using executive power to take bold and necessary action to crack down on crime and restore law and order in Washington, D.C." Comer further noted, "Protecting all Americans and tackling crime are core conservative policy priorities, and today’s actions by the Trump administration mark another promise kept."
Despite the federal takeover and emergency declaration, recent data from the Metropolitan Police Department indicates that crime in Washington, D.C., is decreasing. Violent crime has dropped by 26% this year compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, assaults involving dangerous weapons have decreased by 20%, and homicides are down by 12% over the same timeframe.
These declining crime figures raise questions about the necessity of federal intervention in the district. Some may wonder why such drastic measures are being taken when statistics suggest an improvement in public safety. The upcoming hearing in September may provide clarity on how local and federal leaders view these contrasting perspectives.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Bowser, Council Chair Mendelson, and Attorney General Schwalb for their comments on the situation. No immediate responses have been reported from these officials regarding the federal takeover or the upcoming testimony request. Their input could shed light on how local governance perceives the intervention and crime trends. As federal forces assume control of policing in Washington, D.C., the impact on the local community remains to be seen. Residents may experience changes in law enforcement presence and policies in the coming days. The deployment of the National Guard could also alter the daily dynamics of life in the capital.
The scheduled September hearing will likely serve as a critical forum for discussing the state of crime in Washington, D.C. Lawmakers and local officials will have the opportunity to address the rationale behind federal intervention. This event could influence future decisions on whether federal control should persist beyond the initial periods outlined.
The situation in Washington, D.C., highlights the complex balance between local governance and federal authority under the D.C. Home Rule Act. Trump’s actions test the boundaries of this framework, particularly in how emergency powers are applied. The outcome of this intervention may set precedents for future interactions between federal and local entities.
The federal takeover of D.C. policing could have broader implications for how crime is addressed in other American cities. It raises questions about the role of federal intervention in local public safety matters. Observers nationwide may watch closely to see how this situation unfolds over the coming weeks. As Washington, D.C., navigates this unprecedented federal involvement, the public awaits further updates on both crime trends and governance. The interplay between local statistics and federal actions will likely remain a focal point of discussion. With the September hearing on the horizon, more insights are expected to emerge soon.