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Washington DC sues Trump over federal takeover of police

Trump signed an executive order directing the city’s mayor to hand temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department to the federal government.

Brian Schwalb, attorney general for the District of Columbia, center, speaks outside the federal courthouse, Sept. 3, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo)

Washington DC’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit to stop US President Donald Trump from placing the city’s police department under federal control.

Attorney General Brian Schwalb said the case, filed in federal court on Friday, asks judges to rule that the move is unlawful. “The administration’s actions are unlawful,” Schwalb said, according to Reuters.

“They go beyond the President’s limited powers and seek to take over the Metropolitan Police Department. They undermine the District’s right to self-governance and put the safety of residents and visitors at risk.”

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On Monday, Trump signed an executive order requiring the city’s mayor to give temporary control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to the federal government. He also asked Congress to extend that control beyond the 30-day legal limit.

Federal officials assume policing powers

On Thursday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi ordered MPD Chief Pamela Smith to hand her powers to US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head Terrance Cole. Bondi said MPD must receive Cole’s approval before issuing any orders.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser responded on social media, saying, “There is no statute that conveys the District’s personnel authority to a federal official.”

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The Justice Department has not commented on the lawsuit. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Clash over immigration policy

Bondi also cancelled MPD policies that limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including rules preventing arrests based only on federal immigration warrants. Cole must now approve any new MPD directives.

Earlier that day, Chief Smith had told officers to share information with immigration agencies about people not in custody. Bondi disagreed with this approach, saying it allowed “sanctuary” practices to continue.

Visible increase in federal presence

Trump has said the takeover is needed to address a crime emergency, though official figures show violent crime has fallen in the city. The order also allows him to deploy up to 800 National Guard troops.

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Residents have reported seeing more federal officers and vehicles around the city. Guard members are carrying out monument security, traffic control, and patrol duties, according to the Pentagon.

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The lawsuit names Trump, Bondi, the Department of Justice, DEA chief Cole and the agency as defendants.

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