US President Donald Trump has threatened to take control of Washington, D.C. Now the White House is increasing the presence of federal police forces.
- Journalist
The purpose is to combat crime, and the measure will last at least a week with the possibility of extension, says the White House.
"Washington, D.C. is a wonderful city, but it has been plagued by violent crime for far too long. President Trump has ordered an increased federal law enforcement presence to protect innocent citizens," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
Out of control
“There will be no safe places for violent criminals in Washington,” Leavitt said.
Trump writes on his social media platform Truth Social that crime in Washington is out of control.
– If D.C. does not step up quickly, we will have no choice but to take federal control of the city, run it the way it should be run, and send a clear message to criminals that they will no longer get away with it, writes Trump.
Repeatedly hinted at taking over control
The announcement comes after Trump has suggested on several occasions that Washington could be returned to federal authorities.
In July, Trump rattled his sabers again, saying the White House has the power to control places when we need to. Trump then said his chief of staff was in close contact with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat.
The US capital is in a unique position. The city does not belong to any state, and there are fears that Trump will set aside local democracy and introduce federal control. That is, the US state apparatus will govern the city.
To do this, the Home Rule Act of 1973 must be repealed by Congress, a measure the president says his lawyers are looking into but that is likely to meet resistance.
The Home Rule Act is a law that gives the residents of Washington, D.C. the right to elect their own mayor and city council.
Trump has also stated that he wants to change the law to prosecute minors as adults. The proposal has created strong reactions both in the capital and nationally.
