President Donald Trump on Monday placed Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under federal control, citing what he described as “crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor” in the nation’s capital.
In an executive order, Trump invoked Section 740 of the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act—a rarely used provision allowing the president to take charge of the MPD in an “emergency.” The order directs Mayor Muriel Bowser to provide the MPD’s services “for Federal purposes” for the maximum period the law permits. Oversight of the force was delegated to Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“Crime in D.C. is ending, and it’s ending today,” Bondi said.
What Is the Home Rule Act?
Washington, D.C., is a federal district, not a state. Since its founding in 1791, Congress has held ultimate authority over the city. For much of its history, residents had little say in local governance.
That changed in 1973, when Congress passed the Home Rule Act, allowing D.C. voters to elect a mayor and city council. But the law kept major powers in federal hands:
- Congress still controls D.C.’s budget and can block its laws.
- The president appoints local judges.
Section 740 — “Emergency Control of the Police”
Section 740 acts as a federal override switch for the MPD. It lets the president direct the mayor to turn over police services if the president declares that “special conditions of an emergency nature” exist requiring the MPD for federal purposes.
The statute doesn’t require proof of an emergency or congressional sign-off—just a presidential declaration.
Trump’s justification: violent gangs, “roving mobs of wild youth,” drug users, and homeless encampments. As evidence, he cited the Aug. 3 beating of a federal employee during an attempted carjacking.
Does D.C. Crime Data Support Trump’s Claim?
Not according to official figures.
- Violent crime: Down since 2023, now at its lowest point in six years.
- Juvenile arrests: Nearly 20% lower this year than the same period in 2024.
Mayor Bowser called the move “political theater,” arguing there’s no surge in crime to justify a takeover.
How Long Can Trump Control the MPD?
- Initial authority: 48 hours.
- Possible extension: Up to 30 days without Congress.
- Beyond that: Requires approval from both the House and Senate.
With Republicans currently controlling Congress, an extension is possible. Trump has already floated the idea of repealing the Home Rule Act altogether.
Other Federal Powers Over D.C.
Even without Section 740, the president has tools to assert control:
- National Guard: In D.C., unlike in states, the Guard answers directly to the president. Trump has ordered 800 troops into the city.
- Control Board: A five-member federal authority that ran D.C. during 1995–2001’s fiscal crisis could be reinstated, effectively sidelining the mayor and council.
Bottom line: Section 740 gives Trump short-term authority over the D.C. police without proving an emergency. Long-term control would require Congress—but the broader fight over who governs the nation’s capital may just be beginning.
