Trump's control over DC police is slated to lapse as Congress decides not to renew it.
In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump declared that the control over the Washington, D.C. police authority, which was taken over by his administration in August, will expire by next weekend. The decision comes without an extension, as Congressional Republicans have shown no plans to approve an extension in the coming week.
The takeover, which was initiated under the pretext of a "crime emergency," was enforced through an executive order that invoked a section of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. However, the city has since filed a lawsuit challenging Trump's use of the National Guard in Washington, alleging that the deployment for domestic law enforcement is an illegal use of the military.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has pledged to maintain close coordination with federal law enforcement after the takeover expires. She also issued an order last week to continue the work of an emergency operations center set up in response to the law enforcement surge.
The surge, credited by the mayor for bringing down the level of crime in the city, has reportedly resulted in an 87 percent drop in carjackings. However, videos of arrests and detainments have circulated on social media, sparking protests from groups of Washington residents.
Congressional Democrats have protested the takeover, with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton pushing legislation to give the city full control of its police department. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced a similar bill in the Senate, stating that Trump is "playing dictator in our nation's capital."
In response, House Republicans are planning to move forward with bills that would tighten federal control over the city, including tougher sentences for criminals and a Trump-led effort to "beautify the district."
Some National Guard troops are carrying firearms, and their length of stay in the city is determined by their individual governors. Reports suggest that these troops are expected to stay in the city through later this year.
Trump has portrayed the takeover as transformative for the city, claiming that the city is safe and that restaurants are enjoying booming business. However, the expiration of the takeover may bring about a shift in the city's law enforcement dynamics, which remains to be seen.
The developments in Washington, D.C. serve as a significant point of contention between the administration and Congress, with implications for the future of law enforcement in the nation's capital.
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