1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

President Trump’s attempt to federalize the D.C. police under the guise of fighting crime is a dangerous abuse of power. Now he’s said he will ask Congress to extend it beyond 30 days and expand his power with a fake “crime bill” that would allow him to take permanent federal control over local law enforcement anywhere in America. The facts are clear. Violent crime in D.C. has reached historic lows. Trump’s use of emergency powers is based on intentional misinformation and political spin. His administration has publicly dismissed accurate, up-to-date data in favor of fear-based narratives that serve no one but his own political interests. The federal government must not be given the power to override local authority whenever it sees fit. The very idea should terrify anyone who believes in democracy, civil liberties, or constitutional checks and balances. Do the right thing and reject Trump’s request to extend the DC takeover beyond the 30 days and any attempt to give him the same power nationwide now.