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Federal Takeover of D.C. Police Intensifies Scrutiny After Chief’s Chain-of-Command Gaffe

Chief Pamela Smith's on-air confusion over reporting lines prompted Mayor Muriel Bowser to explain that President Trump appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi as federal proxy.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi, speaks during a news conference with President Donald Trump in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith speaks during a news conference with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on President Donald Trump's plan to place Washington police under federal control and deploy National guard troops to Washington, Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Overview

  • President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act Monday to place the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and deploy National Guard troops.
  • Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith responded “What does that mean?” when asked Tuesday to define the department’s chain of command under the federal order.
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser intervened during the press briefing to clarify that Attorney General Pam Bondi serves as the president’s designated proxy for requesting MPD services.
  • Right-leaning outlets and conservative social media accounts highlighted Smith’s exchange as evidence of leadership dysfunction and justification for the intervention.
  • D.C. officials, including Mayor Bowser and Attorney General Brian Schwalb, announced plans to challenge the federalization in court and demand congressional oversight.