President Trump Announces Takeover of MPD, While Residents Respond to Federal Law Enforcement Presence

August 11, 2025

of the News Article President Donald Trump has announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington D.C., declaring a "public safety emergency" despite a 35% reduction in violent crime from the previous year. The administration plans to dispatch National Guard troops, appoint DEA Administrator Terry Cole as interim MPD commissioner, and increase federal law enforcement presence throughout the District. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and several City Council members have criticized this intervention as an infringement on D.C.'s home rule, while U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro has requested the council reconsider laws related to youth offenders.

Who is affected

Washington D.C. residents, particularly youth and communities of color
Metropolitan Police Department officers and leadership
D.C. government officials, including Mayor Bowser and City Council members
Returning citizens affected by criminal justice legislation
Young people subject to potential changes in youth justice laws
Community organizers and activists opposing federal intervention
Residents in areas experiencing increased federal law enforcement presence

What action is being taken

President Trump is invoking Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to bring MPD under federal control for 30 days
The administration is deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to the District
Federal law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence in D.C. neighborhoods
DEA Administrator Terry Cole is being appointed as interim federal commissioner of MPD
Local organizers are conducting teach-ins and community events like the "Chocolate City Experience"
Protesters are gathering near the White House to oppose the federal takeover
D.C. Council members are releasing statements condemning the federal intervention

Why it matters

This federal takeover represents a significant challenge to D.C.'s limited self-governance and home rule. The intervention occurs despite data showing violent crime in D.C. has fallen to a 30-year low, with current statistics indicating a 28% decrease in violent crime. Trump's actions highlight the District's lack of statehood protections, with Mayor Bowser noting that concerns about presidential authority over MPD should be addressed through D.C. statehood discussions. The administration's targeting of youth justice laws could potentially reverse local criminal justice reforms that have allowed for sentence reviews and record expungements for those convicted as youth.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer