President Donald Trump stated he may declare a national emergency to maintain control over Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) if Congress does not agree to extend the current federalization plan. Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Trump emphasized that he has the authority to keep control indefinitely through such a declaration. Under the current arrangement, the federal government assumed control of the MPD for a 30-day period beginning Monday.
When asked by Daily Signal White House reporter Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell whether he was engaging Congress about an extension or if 30 days would suffice, Trump responded, “Well, if it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress. But we expect to be before Congress very quickly. And again, we think the Democrats will not do anything to stop crime, but we think the Republicans will do it almost unanimously. So we’re going to need a crime bill. That we’re going to be putting in, and it’s going to pertain initially to DC. We’re going to use it as a very positive example,” Trump added that his administration would seek “long-term extensions” to the limit, stating, “You can’t have 30 days. We’re going to do this very quickly, but we’re going to want extensions. I don’t want to call a national emergency, but if I have to, I will.”
Crime Crackdown and Federalization of MPD
Last week, Trump announced a comprehensive effort to address crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, deploying the National Guard and federal law enforcement alongside the federalization of the MPD. According to a White House official, more than 100 individuals have been arrested since August 7, including 43 on Tuesday alone. These arrests are linked to Trump’s March executive order establishing the Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force, an initiative launched before the federal takeover of the MPD.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said, “President Trump’s bold leadership is quickly making our nation’s capital safer. In less than one week, over 100 violent criminals have already been arrested and taken off of the streets in Washington, D.C. President Trump is delivering on his campaign promise to clean up this city and restore American Greatness to our cherished capital.”
Addressing Homeless Encampments
The administration has also targeted homeless encampments as part of its broader strategy. The White House announced that those living in the camps will have two choices: accept treatment at a homeless shelter or face arrest. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a Tuesday press conference that “Seventy homeless encampments have been removed by the U.S. Park Police,” and noted that the MPD would be joining in the removal efforts. She added, “There are only two homeless encampments remaining in D.C. federal parks under the National Park Service’s jurisdiction, and the removal of those two remaining camps is scheduled for this week.”
Possible Long-Term Federal Control
President Trump’s remarks indicate that the federalization of Washington, D.C.’s police force could extend far beyond the current 30-day period if Congress does not act. While the administration has expressed a preference for working with lawmakers, Trump has made clear that a national emergency declaration remains an option. With ongoing arrests, federal law enforcement involvement, and homelessness reduction measures, the situation in the nation’s capital is likely to remain a point of political and public attention in the coming weeks.
