Maryland Leaders Criticize Trump Administration’s Takeover of D.C. MPD

August 19, 2025

Maryland Democratic leaders are strongly opposing President Trump's takeover of Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department, introducing legislation to restore local authority. Senator Angela Alsobrooks criticized the action as executive overreach and an attack on democracy, while Senator Chris Van Hollen plans to introduce a joint resolution to return control of MPD to local authorities when Congress reconvenes. Representative Jamie Raskin has already introduced a House resolution alongside other Democrats to end the federalization of D.C. police.

Who is affected

Washington, D.C. residents
Local D.C. businesses, particularly nightlife establishments experiencing reduced commerce
People across the Washington area being dissuaded from going to the capital
The 700,000 taxpaying American citizens in D.C. who lack statehood protections

What action is being taken

Maryland Democratic leaders are introducing legislation to combat the takeover
Rep. Jamie Raskin has introduced a joint resolution in the House alongside Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Robert Garcia, and Sen. Van Hollen to end the federalization
Sen. Chris Van Hollen is planning to introduce a joint resolution to restore local authority when Congress reconvenes in September
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is refusing to send Maryland National Guard troops unless "mission-critical or mission-aligned"
The White House is posting images of arrested individuals on social media

Why it matters

The takeover represents what Democrats call "executive overreach" and an attack on democracy
It prevents D.C. from accessing $1 billion of its own funds for policing and other public services
The militarization is occurring despite D.C. experiencing its lowest violent crime rates in 30 years
Democrats see it as part of a broader plan to federalize police in cities that voted against Trump
It raises concerns about federal authority versus local governance in the nation's capital

What's next

Sen. Chris Van Hollen plans to introduce a joint resolution to restore local authority of MPD and D.C.'s National Guard when Congress reconvenes in September

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer