President Donald Trump has called for the federal government to take full control of Washington, D.C., arguing that the city’s leadership has failed to address rising crime, homelessness, and overall governance issues. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 19, 2025, Trump stated, “I think that we should govern the District of Columbia… run it strong, run it with law and order, make it absolutely flawless.” His remarks signal support for efforts to repeal the Home Rule Act, which has granted D.C. limited self-governance since 1973.
Republican lawmakers have recently introduced a bill to revoke the Home Rule Act, effectively dissolving the city’s local government, including the mayor’s office and city council. If passed, the legislation would place D.C. entirely under federal control, meaning Congress and the president would directly oversee governance, law enforcement, and city operations. Supporters of the bill argue that the District has been mismanaged for years and that local leadership has failed to curb crime and disorder.
Crime has been a central issue fueling the push for federal oversight. Washington, D.C., experienced a 39% increase in homicides in 2023, along with spikes in carjackings and theft. Proponents of the federal takeover say the city’s progressive policies, including efforts to reduce policing and lenient sentencing laws, have emboldened criminals. Trump has repeatedly criticized the city’s handling of law enforcement, claiming that tougher measures are needed to restore order.
Opponents, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, strongly reject the proposal, calling it an attack on local democracy. Bowser responded by defending the city’s right to self-governance, stating, “The people of Washington, D.C., elected me to lead, and we will not stand by as our rights are stripped away.” Democrats in Congress also oppose the move, arguing that revoking home rule would disenfranchise D.C. residents, who currently have no voting representation in Congress.
The debate over Washington, D.C.’s governance is not new. Republicans have long opposed granting D.C. statehood, fearing it would add two Democratic senators to the Senate. Instead, some conservatives have argued that because D.C. is the nation’s capital and houses all three branches of federal government, it should be directly managed by Congress. Trump’s endorsement of a full federal takeover adds momentum to this ongoing debate.
If the Home Rule Act is repealed, it would mark one of the most significant shifts in Washington, D.C.’s governance in over 50 years. However, for the bill to become law, it must pass both the House and Senate before being signed by the president. Given the strong opposition from Democrats and some moderate Republicans, its path forward remains uncertain.
As the debate continues, Trump and congressional Republicans are expected to use D.C.’s crime and governance issues as a major talking point heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The battle over who controls the nation’s capital reflects broader national discussions on crime, law enforcement, and the limits of federal authority.
