On 5/8/2025, President Donald Trump declared his intention to strip Washington D.C. of its self-governance and place it under federal control. He cited "out-of-control" crime as the reason and threatened decisive action if city leaders didn't address the issue.

This isn't Trump's first time floating this idea. During his second term campaign, he promised to "take over and rebuild" the "badly run" capital, aiming to eliminate the "nightmare of killings and crime." He reiterated this stance in late July while discussing urban homelessness, arguing that Washington "has to be run properly."

However, observers believe Trump can't unilaterally federalize and revoke the city's home rule. Washington D.C., established in 1791, has a population of over 700,000 (2024 statistics). It became the nation's capital, hosting the first Congressional session in 1800. The 1801 District of Columbia Organic Act designated it as the sole federal district, placing it directly under Congressional authority, not any state, to prevent state influence.

President Donald Trump at the White House on 6/8. Photo: AP

President Donald Trump at the White House on 6/8. Photo: AP

The city is considered a Democratic stronghold, with no Republican presidential candidate winning the popular vote since it gained three electoral votes in 1964. Trump received only 4% of the vote in 2016 and less than 7% in 2024.

"Washington doesn't like President Trump, and he doesn't like Washington," George Derek Musgrove, an associate history professor at the University of Maryland, told NPR. "The president constantly declares that Washington is in crisis and only he can fix it. Washington is an easy target, so it’s targeted a lot."

Before 1973, the president appointed Washington's mayor, while Congress oversaw its laws and internal affairs. Public pressure led to the 1973 Home Rule Act, granting the city the right to elect its own mayor and council, manage its legislation, budget, and law enforcement. However, the federal government retained the right to intervene if necessary. Therefore, Trump can't control Washington via executive order; Congress would need to repeal the 1973 Act.

Republicans have attempted this. Senator Mike Lee and Representative Andy Ogles introduced the "Bolstering Our Valuable Efforts to Secure Safety in the Nation’s Capital" (BOWSER) bill in February to repeal the 1973 Act. Despite holding a House majority, passing BOWSER is challenging. Republicans hold 53 of 100 Senate seats, short of the 60 needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.

"For more than 50 years, Washington’s home rule has enjoyed strong protection from the White House and most members of Congress," Washington Post columnist Colbert I. King commented. "Even if the House passes a bill stripping Washington’s home rule, it will be filibustered in the Senate."

While full control is difficult, Trump and the Republicans could leverage a provision in the Home Rule Act allowing the president to direct the mayor to deploy forces in "extraordinary emergency circumstances requiring the use of force." In an 6/8 press conference, Trump hinted at taking over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) or deploying the National Guard to address crime. He considered this in mid-2020 during George Floyd protests but faced local opposition.

Taking over the MPD would be the first federal intervention in a major US city, according to the Washington Post. Republicans could also use budget "riders" – attaching provisions to must-pass spending bills. The House Appropriations Committee's fiscal year 2026 budget bill for the government includes restrictions on Washington, such as halving funding for an education program and prohibiting local funds for traffic camera fines.

Washington's House representative, Eleanor Holmes Norton, expressed outrage at these "anti-home-rule riders," estimating a potential loss of nearly $1 billion over four years for the city.

The US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on 29/6. Photo: AFP

The US Capitol building in Washington D.C. on 29/6. Photo: AFP

Musgrove believes these advantages allow Trump to pressure Mayor Muriel Bowser. While critical of Trump, Bowser recently complied with some White House requests, clearing homeless encampments and removing "Black Lives Matter" street art after a Republican threatened to withhold federal funding. "He only needs to threaten, and the mayor of Washington will understand," Musgrove said.

Nhu Tam (Washington Post, Axios, NPR)