Congress Holds Power To Extend Trump’s Federal Control Of D.C. Police

President Donald Trump’s bold move to take federal control of Washington, D.C.’s police force may only be the beginning but whether it lasts beyond a month will depend on Congress.

On Monday, Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, declaring a public emergency and directing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to hand over control of the Metropolitan Police Department. The action allows him to deploy federal oversight of local law enforcement, but only under specific time limits.

Here’s how the law works:

• Initial authority lasts just 48 hours.

• Up to 30 days can be granted if the president notifies the relevant congressional committees with an explanation.

• Any period beyond 30 days requires Congress to pass a joint resolution authorizing the extension.

Trump has already sent a letter to the House Oversight Committee outlining the need to tackle violent crime in the nation’s capital. In it, he stated the emergency would continue until it was no longer necessary or until the “maximum period” allowed under the law was reached.

With Republicans controlling both chambers, Trump’s plan has strong backing from congressional leadership.

• House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA): “House Republicans support this effort to CLEAN UP Washington, END the crime wave, and RESTORE the beauty of the greatest capital in the world.”

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD): “D.C. should be a place where people can safely live, visit, work, and raise a family. This is a positive step in that direction.”

Democrats, however, are pushing back hard. They plan to introduce legislation giving D.C. full control over both its police force and its National Guard a direct counter to Trump’s federalization move.

• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY): “Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at a thirty-year low… Get lost.”

• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY): Accused Trump of staging “a political ploy” and ignoring funding delays for D.C.

The White House maintains that federal intervention is needed due to the capital’s violent crime rate, which in 2024 was nearly six times higher than New York City’s and among the highest in the nation.

If Trump wants to maintain control beyond 30 days, the real battle will shift from the streets of D.C. to the halls of Congress where the partisan divide over crime, federal authority, and the future of the capital will take center stage.

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