Washington, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit in federal court on 15/8, arguing that federal law does not permit President Donald Trump's administration to "blatantly usurp" the authority of D.C. officials.
The lawsuit comes after President Trump's announcement earlier this week that he would place the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deploy the National Guard to address "violent crime." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi subsequently ordered the appointment of an official of her choosing as interim police commissioner.
Schwalb has requested the court to immediately block Bondi's actions.
In a social media post, Schwalb said the government's action "went far beyond the president’s authority and effectively amounts to a hostile takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department".
"This is an affront to the dignity and self-governance of the 700,000 Americans who live in Washington, D.C.", he wrote.
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National Guard patrol Washington, D.C. on 14/8. Photo: AFP |
National Guard patrol Washington, D.C. on 14/8. Photo: AFP
Unlike the 50 states, Washington, D.C. has a unique relationship with the federal government. The city has limited autonomy and is under congressional oversight. Since the mid-1970s, the Home Rule Act has allowed residents to elect a mayor and city council, but Congress retains control over the budget.
Republican politicians allege that the city, with a majority Democratic population, faces several issues, including high rates of crime and homelessness, along with poor financial management.
However, police statistics show that violent crime in D.C. decreased by 26% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Data released by the U.S. Department of Justice before Trump took office also indicated that the city's 2024 crime rate was the lowest in three decades.
Federal law allows the Trump administration to control the Washington, D.C. police force for 30 days. Congressional approval would be required for an extension, which Democrats are likely to block.
Pham Giang (According to AFP)
