Overview

• At a July 8 cabinet meeting, President Trump revealed a pilot program to test direct federal governance of Washington, D.C., with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles collaborating with Mayor Muriel Bowser.
• Trump argued that placing the capital under White House authority could further reduce crime by installing top management and streamlining operations beyond current levels.
• Mayor Bowser has warned of significant political risks and potential erosion of the district’s autonomy under the 1973 Home Rule Act.
• The president signaled readiness to intervene in approval of the Washington Commanders’ new stadium project at the federally controlled RFK site if the D.C. Council delays the deal.
• Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation to repeal or curtail D.C.’s Home Rule, setting up a constitutional debate over executive power versus municipal self-rule.