Overview

• At a July 8 cabinet meeting, Trump said he is “testing” a plan for the federal government to assume control of D.C. governance in cooperation with Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Mayor Muriel Bowser.
• He argued that a federal appointee could run the capital more efficiently, reduce crime to minimal levels and ensure the city is managed flawlessly.
• Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Andy Ogles have introduced the BOWSER Act to repeal the Home Rule Act of 1973 and clear the legislative path for federal oversight.
• Metropolitan Police Department figures show violent crime down 25% and overall crime down 8% year-to-date, challenging assertions of a public safety emergency.
• Local leaders and statehood advocates warn that stripping elected officials of authority would undermine D.C.’s autonomy and intensify debates over representation.