Trump to seek 'long-term' federal control over Washington, D.C. Police Department

Trump to seek 'long-term' extension of federal control of DC police (Image: ABC news)

US President Donald Trump announced plans to request Republicans in the US Congress to extend federal oversight of Washington, D.C.'s police force beyond the current 30-day limit.

Trump said he would seek “more permanent federal control” of the city’s police, escalating his push to assert presidential authority over Washington, D.C.

This comes a day after the US President activated National Guard troops, assuming control of Washington, DC's police department, after announcing a “criminal emergency” in the US capital.

Trump further said that any congressional action could also serve as a model for other cities in the US, while not elaborating on how the takeover of Washington's metropolitan police department could be replicated.

Trump, in his recent TruthSocial post, has mentioned, "Washington, D.C., has one of the Highest Rates of Crime in the World, more than many of the most violent Third World Countries."

"The City’s Homicide Rate is higher than places notorious for their violence, such as Mexico City, Bogota, Islamabad, and Addis Ababa — Almost ten times higher than Fallujah, Iraq," he further added.

In previous statements, the U.S. President has threatened to expand federal oversight to Democrat-led cities such as Chicago, accusing local authorities of failing to tackle crime effectively.

Trump invoked the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to assume temporary federal control of Washington, D.C.’s police force— a law that permits such action for up to 30 days during an emergency.

To extend this control beyond the initial period, the White House must obtain approval from both chambers of Congress: the House and the Senate.