WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — All eyes are on Washington, D.C. after President Trump stated Wednesday that the federal government should take control of the District.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed there was “too much crime” and homelessness in D.C., and complained about the city’s governance.
This comes as Trump is expected to sign an executive order cracking down on homelessness and public safety in the District.
Under D.C.’s Home Rule authority, Congress reviews all legislation passed by the D.C. Council before it becomes law and can overturn it.
In response to Trump’s remarks, D.C. leaders highlighted improvements and accomplishments across the city over the past few years, while others condemned his claims.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser did not directly respond to Trump’s comments; However, in a post on the X platform, she said D.C. is a “world-class city.”
In the post, Bowser listed several accomplishments, including the nation’s capital hitting a new tourism record with 26 million visitors, the District growing faster than all 50 states, violent crime being the lowest it’s been in three decades and more.
On social media, D.C.’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb stated,
Violent crime in DC reached a 30-year low last year and continues to decline. Family homelessness is down over 50% in the past decade. Our budget is balanced, our economy is growing, our small business community is thriving, and we are one of the most visited places in the country. A federal takeover of DC would violate the fundamental principle of self-governance on which this nation was founded. We will defend the rule of law, Home Rule, and the right to govern ourselves.
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau backed Schwalb and said the council would fight for residents when they are threatened.
“The District of Columbia is not only our nation’s capital but also home to 700,000 residents. Our hard-won autonomy was granted through an act of Congress 50 years ago and has been continuously under attack ever since. Each of those times our government has worked with allies in Congress to minimize those attacks. We need those allies more than ever now, and we will fight for the rights of our residents whenever they are threatened,” she said.
In a statement, D.C.’s Representative Oye Owolewa condemned Trump’s statement and emphasized that people who live in the District deserve full representation and not “federal overreach.”
He said in part:
Once again, Washington, D.C. is under attack by those who refuse to recognize our basic rights as American citizens. Last night, Donald Trump made it clear that he believes the people of D.C. should not have the right to govern themselves, let alone the opportunity to achieve statehood. This is nothing new, we have seen this playbook before. But let me be clear: we will not allow any administration, politician, or special interest group to strip away the voice of more than 700,000 taxpaying Americans who live, work, and contribute to this country just like everyone else.”
D.C. Rep. Oye Owolewa
He noted that D.C. leaders will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice in the District is heard.
