President Donald Trump has reiterated his thoughts on federal oversight of Washington, D.C., suggesting his administration could govern the capital more efficiently than its current leadership. During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Trump expressed serious consideration of federal intervention, arguing it could reduce crime and enhance government efficiency.
Trump proposed that federal management would improve District operations, asserting that his administration could manage the city without issue. He indicated that crime would significantly decrease and the city’s functionality would surpass that of the existing local governance.
He mentioned that his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, has been actively collaborating with District officials on numerous initiatives. Trump expressed confidence in the administration’s capacity to manage jurisdictions when required, emphasizing their ability to appoint suitable leadership for the task.
Mayor Muriel Bowser responded by highlighting the District’s constrained Home Rule authority, especially when the president controls both Congressional houses. Bowser noted that she collaborates more with Trump’s team than with any previous president.
Bowser emphasized that her administration focuses on shared priorities with the federal government. She pointed out that Trump’s federal takeover remarks have been circulating for about two years, indicating a consistent theme rather than a new proposal. Trump repeatedly said he intended to take over D.C. during his campaign.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton firmly rejected Trump’s suggestions, committing to prevent any increase in federal power over the District. Norton vowed to oppose any Congressional efforts to repeal the Home Rule Act, which currently governs the District’s limited self-governance.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson described Trump’s comments as unfortunate, noting that a federal takeover would necessitate Congressional legislation and new governmental structures. Mendelson emphasized that this transition would involve transferring billions of dollars in responsibilities, making it complex beyond mere policy statements.
The District’s Home Rule Act, enacted in 1973, allows residents to elect their own mayor and council, while Congress maintains authority over local laws and budgets. This replaced direct federal management from 1874 to 1973, a system eventually deemed ineffective by both political parties.
D.C. Shadow Senator Paul Strauss advised taking Trump’s remarks seriously rather than dismissing them. Strauss stated, “obviously the president is not doing a great job running the country,” opposing expanded federal control over municipal operations.
Municipal services in D.C. operate at a significant scale, with the 311 non-emergency line receiving millions of calls annually, highlighting the extensive daily operational demands that federal control would entail.
A federal takeover would require Congressional action to repeal the Home Rule Act, necessitating approval by both Congressional chambers. Currently, no clear legislative initiative is advancing such measures, though political dynamics could change based on Congressional priorities and federal-local relations.
The renewed discussion on federal intervention reflects ongoing tensions between federal and local authority in Washington, D.C., where unique constitutional arrangements create complex governance relationships. Trump’s suggestions represent the latest chapter in periodic debates over appropriate federal involvement in District operations and local autonomy.