Stop Unlawful Federal Intrusion into DC Policing

Federal Intervention Based on a False Premise The Trump administration’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia rests on a claim that the city is in the midst of a “crime emergency.” This claim is not supported by the facts. Official crime statistics from the Metropolitan Police Department show that total crime in 2025 is lower than in the prior year, including declines in several major categories. A manufactured emergency cannot serve as a lawful justification for overriding local governance. No Federal Power to Replace the District’s Police Chief Under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, the President’s emergency authority to assume control of the MPD does not extend to replacing the duly appointed Chief of Police. Appointment of the Chief is governed by District law, which vests that authority in the Mayor with Council confirmation. The recent directive from Attorney General Pam Bondi naming DEA Administrator Terry Cole as “emergency police commissioner,” with power to override the Chief, has no basis in federal or DC statute. This act undermines the District’s limited self-government and intrudes on powers Congress has not delegated to the Executive Branch. Congressional Actions Needed Now Congress must act immediately to: 1. Formally declare that no federal statute authorizes the President or Attorney General to replace or supplant the MPD Chief of Police. 2. Amend the DC Home Rule Act to clarify that emergency federal control cannot alter the lawful chain of command or appointment process for the Chief of Police. 3. Conduct oversight hearings into the basis for the declared “crime emergency” and require public disclosure of supporting evidence. 4. Prohibit funding for any federal activities aimed at removing or bypassing the Chief of Police outside lawful procedures. 5. Protect DC’s local authority by affirming the Mayor’s exclusive power to appoint, retain, or remove the Chief of Police. The people of the District deserve policing leadership that is accountable to their elected government, not federal appointees installed without lawful authority. I urge you to take swift and decisive action to restore lawful governance and protect the integrity of the District’s institutions.