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Trump Threatens Federal Takeover of D.C. as Bowser Retreats on Sanctuary Policies

July 8, 2025

President Trump has threatened to assume federal control over Washington D.C., suggesting that his administration could directly "run D.C." to address crime and city management issues. Simultaneously, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is working to repeal the city's 2019 Sanctuary Values Amendment Act, which limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Critics view Bowser's actions, including removing immigrant protection information from city websites and dismantling Black Lives Matter Plaza, as attempts to appease Republicans and prevent deeper federal interference.

Who is affected

  • Washington D.C. residents and elected leaders
  • Immigrant communities in D.C. previously protected by the sanctuary city law
  • The D.C. Council
  • The Washington Commanders organization and stakeholders in the stadium deal
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration

What action is being taken

  • Trump is threatening federal takeover of Washington D.C. governance
  • Mayor Bowser is moving to repeal the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act
  • Bowser is removing immigrant protection information from city websites
  • Bowser is dismantling Black Lives Matter Plaza
  • Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles is in communication with Mayor Bowser
  • The D.C. Council is delaying approval of key legislation for the Commanders' stadium deal

Why it matters

  • This represents a potential dramatic rollback of D.C.'s home rule in 50 years
  • The repeal of sanctuary protections could impact immigrants' willingness to report crimes or seek help
  • The situation highlights tensions between local D.C. governance and federal authority
  • The stadium deal involves significant property that the federal government ultimately controls
  • Delays in approving stadium legislation could invite more federal intervention
  • Trump's comments suggest expanding federal control over local governance beyond D.C.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer