President Donald Trump’s administration has threatened a federal takeover of the nation’s capital, citing concerns over violent crime and public safety. Despite initial plans to deploy hundreds of federal law enforcement officers to the city, the operation appeared to have been delayed until next week.
Trump had promised a “security lockdown” for seven days, starting at midnight on Thursday, in response to what he claimed was a surge in violent crime. However, on Friday morning, only police from the Metropolitan Police Department were visible on the streets. A White House official said that over 120 federal agents were deployed, but this information has not been confirmed.
The planned operation came after an assault on a high-profile member of the bureaucracy last weekend. Trump had repeatedly called for the federal government to take control of the city, citing its reputation as “unsafe, filthy and badly run.”
However, experts argue that such a takeover would require congressional approval and likely face significant legal challenges in court. The Home Rule Act of 1973 gives Washington D.C. residents certain powers, including electing their own mayor and council members.
The number of homicides and carjackings in the city have indeed increased in recent years, but the latest data shows a decline in carjackings this year. Nevertheless, the Trump administration is pushing forward with its plans to deploy federal law enforcement assets on D.C. streets.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/washington-district-takeover-trump-crime-d0ebfa76584753635327d792f6c0b8fc