Cities led by Black women are the first targets of Trump’s political power grab

August 22, 2025

President Donald Trump is engaged in a power struggle targeting Democratic-led cities, particularly those with Black women mayors. Despite low crime rates in Washington D.C., Trump has threatened to federalize the city's police force, challenging Mayor Muriel Bowser's authority, and has similarly deployed federal forces to Los Angeles against Mayor Karen Bass's wishes. Trump has indicated plans to expand this federal intervention to other Democratic cities led by Black mayors including Baltimore, Chicago, Oakland, and New York.

Who is affected

Black women mayors including Muriel Bowser (Washington D.C.), Karen Bass (Los Angeles), and Barbara Lee (Oakland)
Residents of Washington D.C., where 79% oppose Trump's actions according to polling
Citizens of other Democratic-led cities threatened with federal intervention (Baltimore, Chicago, Oakland, New York)
Black women political leaders beyond mayors, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier
Federal Reserve Governor Linda Cook, targeted instead of Jerome Powell
Democratic communities where federal troops are deployed against local wishes

What action is being taken

Trump is attempting to take control of the Washington D.C. police force from Mayor Bowser
The Justice Department is investigating D.C.'s reported crime statistics
Trump has deployed Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and National Guard troops to Los Angeles
Trump is threatening to send federal law enforcement to additional Democratic-led cities with Black mayors
Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier is being detained in the state Capitol over opposition to a Trump-ordered redistricting plan
Rep. LaMonica McIver is being prosecuted by the Trump administration on charges of "forcibly impeding" law enforcement

Why it matters

This conflict represents a critical test for American democracy, pitting federal power against local governance in predominantly Democratic cities. The targeting of cities led by Black women mayors occurs at a historically significant moment when Black women have reached unprecedented levels of political leadership while facing what experts describe as a "simultaneous penalty" for being both Black and women. Political scientists note this approach follows what one expert called "the authoritarian playbook" to crush opposition and demonize marginalized communities. The situation highlights tensions between federal and local authority, particularly in jurisdictions where federal intervention is overwhelmingly opposed by residents.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th