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Trump Tests Federal Takeover Plan for Washington, D.C.

White House chief of staff Susie Wiles is coordinating with Mayor Muriel Bowser on a proposal to assume control of the capital’s administration.

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President Donald Trump promised to "straighten out New York" but didn't give specifics on the authority he would invoke to take control over the city. During his first administration, Trump made similar threats of taking over the city. (ANGELA WEISS/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES/FILE)
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Donald Trump suggested federal control over Washington, DC, and potentially New York City to address rising crime. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno/File Photo

Overview

  • During a July 8 cabinet meeting, President Trump said the administration is testing a plan to federalize D.C.’s governance to drive down crime.
  • Chief of staff Susie Wiles is working closely with Mayor Muriel Bowser to outline operational and leadership changes under the proposed takeover.
  • Any federal takeover would require Congress to revoke the 1973 Home Rule Act, under which residents elect local leaders but lawmakers retain budget and legislative oversight.
  • Metropolitan Police Department figures show violent crime in D.C. is down 25% and total crime has fallen 8% year-over-year.
  • Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Andy Ogles introduced the BOWSER Act in February to overturn the city’s home rule and transfer lawmaking authority to Congress.