DC Attorney General Files Lawsuit to Stop Federal Police Control
Justice correspondent David Spunt appears on ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss the move by Washington, D.C.’s Attorney General to halt President Donald Trump’s federal command over local law enforcement. ‘Fox News Sunday’ presenter Shannon Bream provides commentary as well.
Washington, D.C. struck an agreement with President Trump’s administration following a legal challenge concerning federal takeover of the city’s police operations.
This resolution was achieved on Friday afternoon, just after the Trump administration appointed DEA leader Terry Cole as the interim head of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Both parties reached a conclusion to prevent Cole from officially assuming the position, allowing Police Chief Pamela Smith to continue her leadership. Now, Cole must engage with Mayor Muriel Bowser before issuing directives to the MPD, although Bowser is still required to comply with Cole’s directives.
U.S. military members walk near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., August 14, 2025. (REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez)
Despite this, Attorney General Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia asserted in legal documents that the action could “cause operational disorder,” claiming the president’s authority is confined to instructing the mayor to use the police for federal intentions.
Schwalb and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
This marks the first occasion a president has exercised control over the capital’s police force since the establishment of the Home Rule Act in 1973, which enabled the city to elect its own council and mayor. This legislation restricts a president’s power to a 30-day period without needing congressional endorsement, which Trump has expressed intentions to extend.
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