Trump Seeks Long-Term Extensions Of Federal Control Over D.C. Police

President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday that he will push Congress to extend the 30-day limit on his takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, arguing that his sweeping crime crackdown in Washington, D.C., requires more time to deliver lasting results.

Speaking at the Kennedy Center, Trump said his administration will move “very quickly” to address violent crime but stressed that 30 days under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act is not enough. “We’re going to do this very quickly, but we’re going to want extensions,” Trump told reporters. “I don’t want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will.”

Under the law, any extension beyond 30 days requires Congress to pass a joint resolution. Trump said he expects strong Republican support and predicted Democrats will resist: “We think the Democrats will not do anything to stop crime, but we think the Republicans will do it almost unanimously.”

Republican leaders have already voiced backing for the president’s federalization of the D.C. police force:

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD): Praised Trump’s “commitment to protecting communities large and small” and called the move “a positive step.”

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

Democrats remain firmly opposed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) blasted the takeover as an “unjustified power grab” that would “put the safety of the people of our Nation’s capital in danger.”

Since the federalization order took effect last week, federal and local authorities have made over 100 arrests in D.C., including suspects charged with homicide, illegal firearms possession, and narcotics trafficking. The operation has also seen National Guard troops deployed alongside federal agents.

For Trump, the early results are proof that his strategy is working and that the campaign to make the capital safe again shouldn’t be cut short by an arbitrary deadline.

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