WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch Trump Takes Charge of the Police in Washington, D.C.
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Aug 12, 2025 Colin Levy, an editorial page colleague at The Wall Street Journal, dives into Donald Trump's controversial decision to declare a crime emergency and seize control of the D.C. police. They discuss the legal ramifications of this move, the rising crime in the capital, and whether local governance has faltered. The conversation highlights tensions between federal oversight and local control, issues surrounding the Emergency Powers Act, and the broader implications for policing in major cities. It's a riveting exploration of law enforcement dynamics in today's political climate.
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Federal Authority Over D.C. Police
- The Home Rule Act lets the president assume control of D.C. police for 30 days in an emergency, reflecting federal oversight of the capital.
- Faith Bottom and hosts argue Trump's move is legal under that statute and short-term unless Congress extends it.
Local Incidents Bolster Public Fear
- Faith Bottom cites a high-profile assault on a former Doge staffer and a police-union chairman backing Trump as evidence of street-level fear.
- She also notes D.C. is short about 500 officers and had a shooting near a protest, underscoring local tensions.
Crime Surge Versus Recent Improvements
- Trump cited a 2023 crime surge in D.C., including high murder and carjacking numbers, to justify intervention.
- Hosts note crime has since fallen, so both the surge and later improvements can be true simultaneously.