#Socialites, check this out: In a bold response to recent actions from the Trump administration, Washington officials have initiated legal proceedings, labeling his latest move as an unfounded “power grab.”
The controversy centers on the Department of Justice’s appointment of an “emergency” head for the District’s police force.
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In a post on social media platform X, city leaders expressed their apprehensions, stating, “The administration’s declaration of control over the Metropolitan Police Department is an overreach of its limited legal powers.” They also emphasized that this situation poses a significant risk to the Home Rule of the District, asserting, “We are committed to fighting against this unprecedented threat.”
The lawsuit, which has been filed by Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb in federal court, raises concerns about the potential operational disruptions that could arise from the administration’s actions. City attorneys warn that this attempted takeover could cause considerable confusion regarding operational authority within the Metropolitan Police Department.
They allege that the actions taken by President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi breach several laws, including an overstep of presidential powers over local governance and the invalidation of established local policies.
The city is seeking an immediate ruling from the court to invalidate Bondi’s takeover attempt and the subsequent modification of Washington’s police policies, deeming them unlawful. While the timeline for judicial action remains uncertain, the emergency nature of the lawsuit could prompt a hearing soon.
During the announcement of the federal intervention earlier in the week, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act. In his Executive Order, he stated, “With immediate effect, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., shall offer the Metropolitan Police force’s services for federal functions for the longest duration allowed under section 740 of the Home Rule Act.”
This development is seen as the latest in a series of moves by Trump to test the boundaries of his legal authorities in pursuit of his agenda.
By citing obscure legal provisions and claiming a state of emergency, the administration aims to reinforce a tough-on-crime stance while accelerating the deportation of undocumented individuals within the United States.
Trump ultimately wants Congress to allow him to keep federal control over the Metropolitan Police Department longer than a 30-day maximum normally set by law, but by the way things are looking, he’ll have to put up a strong fight.