Trumpauthorizedtocontrol D Cpoliceindefinitelyunder House GO Pproposal

Published in House and Home on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 16:46 GMT by Fox News
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., plans to introduce a resolution to remove the 30-day limit on President Donald Trump's control of Washington D.C.'s police force and allow for indefinite federal oversight.

House GOP Proposal Would Grant Trump Indefinite Control Over DC Police

In a bold move that could significantly reshape law enforcement dynamics in the nation's capital, House Republicans have introduced legislation aimed at granting President-elect Donald Trump indefinite authority over the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The proposal, spearheaded by key conservative figures in Congress, seeks to federalize control of the city's police force, effectively bypassing the local government's oversight and placing it directly under the purview of the incoming administration. This development comes amid heightened discussions about security in Washington, D.C., particularly in light of past events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot and ongoing concerns about protests, crime rates, and potential unrest surrounding the 2024 presidential transition.

The bill, formally titled the "District of Columbia Law Enforcement Enhancement Act," was introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and a staunch Trump ally. According to the proposal's text, the legislation would amend existing federal statutes governing the District of Columbia to authorize the president to assume "operational control" of the MPD without a specified end date. This control would include the ability to direct deployments, set policing priorities, and even override decisions made by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser or the city's police chief. Proponents argue that this measure is necessary to ensure the safety of federal institutions, lawmakers, and residents in a city that serves as the seat of the U.S. government but lacks full statehood status.

Rep. Biggs, in statements accompanying the bill's introduction, emphasized the need for stronger federal intervention. "Washington, D.C., is not just any city—it's the heart of our democracy, and we've seen time and again how local leadership has failed to maintain order during critical moments," Biggs said. "This legislation empowers the president to step in and protect our capital from chaos, whether it's from riots, protests, or rising crime. President Trump has proven he can deliver results, and this gives him the tools to do so indefinitely until stability is assured." Supporters of the bill point to statistics showing a spike in violent crime in D.C., including a 39% increase in homicides in 2023 compared to previous years, as justification for federal oversight. They also reference the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, during which federal forces were deployed under Trump's first term, as a precedent for such actions.

The proposal builds on existing frameworks like the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973, which grants the district limited self-governance but reserves ultimate authority over certain matters to Congress and the president. Under current law, the president can already federalize the D.C. National Guard, as Trump did in 2020, but control over the MPD has traditionally remained with local officials. This new bill would expand that power dramatically, allowing the president to appoint a federal liaison to oversee daily operations, allocate resources, and implement policies aligned with national security interests. Notably, the "indefinite" clause means there would be no automatic sunset provision; control would persist until Congress or a future president revokes it.

Critics, particularly Democrats and civil liberties advocates, have swiftly condemned the proposal as an overreach that undermines democratic principles and local autonomy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) described it as "a dangerous power grab that echoes authoritarian tactics." In a statement, Jeffries warned, "This isn't about law and order—it's about consolidating control in the hands of one man. D.C. residents deserve a say in their own policing, not to be treated as subjects of a federal fiefdom." The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill could lead to militarized policing and suppress free speech, especially in a city known for political demonstrations. "Indefinite presidential control over local police sets a chilling precedent," said ACLU policy director Laura Murphy. "It could be used to target protesters, journalists, or anyone deemed inconvenient by the administration."

The timing of the bill's introduction is significant, coming just weeks after Trump's decisive victory in the 2024 election. With Republicans poised to control both chambers of Congress following gains in the House and Senate, the proposal stands a realistic chance of advancing. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has expressed support, stating that enhancing federal authority over D.C. is a priority for the new Congress. "We must safeguard our capital from the failures of liberal policies that have allowed crime to flourish," Johnson remarked during a recent press conference. If passed, the legislation could be enacted before Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, potentially allowing him to implement changes immediately.

Supporters within the GOP frame the bill as part of a broader "America First" agenda to restore law and order nationwide. They draw parallels to Trump's previous executive actions, such as Operation Legend in 2020, which deployed federal agents to cities experiencing crime surges. In D.C., this could mean increased patrols around federal buildings, stricter enforcement against unauthorized gatherings, and integration of MPD with federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security. Some Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), have suggested expanding the model to other federally significant areas, though the current bill is limited to D.C.

Opposition extends beyond party lines, with some moderate Republicans voicing concerns about the indefinite nature of the control. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), for instance, indicated he might support a version with time limits, saying, "We need accountability, but permanence could invite abuse." Legal experts are divided on the bill's constitutionality. While Congress has broad authority over D.C. under Article I of the Constitution, challenges could arise if the measure is seen as infringing on residents' rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. The Supreme Court has historically upheld federal oversight of the district, as in cases like Palmore v. United States (1973), but the indefinite aspect might prompt new litigation.

As the debate intensifies, D.C. officials are mobilizing against the proposal. Mayor Bowser has vowed to fight it, stating, "This is an assault on our home rule and the will of D.C. voters. We won't let outsiders dictate how we protect our communities." Community leaders and activists are organizing rallies, highlighting fears that federal control could exacerbate racial disparities in policing, given D.C.'s majority-Black population and history of tensions with law enforcement.

If enacted, this legislation could mark a pivotal shift in the balance of power between federal and local authorities, potentially setting a template for future interventions in other jurisdictions. For Trump, who has long criticized D.C.'s leadership and promised to "clean up" the city, it represents a fulfillment of campaign pledges to prioritize security. However, the controversy underscores deep divisions in American politics, with questions about democracy, federalism, and executive power at the forefront. As Congress prepares to convene, all eyes will be on whether this GOP initiative gains traction or becomes mired in partisan gridlock. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Fox News Article at:
[ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-authorized-control-dc-police-indefinitely-under-house-gop-proposal ]

N※N

Trumpauthorizedtocontrol D Cpoliceindefinitelyunder House GO Pproposal

House GOP Proposal Would Grant Trump Indefinite Control Over DC Police