President Donald Trump's federal takeover of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has ignited a storm of controversy, as U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed DEA head Terry Cole to lead local law enforcement, sidelining Police Chief Pamela Smith.
The move triggered lawsuits from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and local officials, arguing that the federal takeover is unconstitutional and an affront to D.C.'s local governance.
In court hearings, a federal judge expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's authority, raising questions about the legality of the changes to police leadership amid escalating tensions.
Critics, including lawmakers and civic leaders, denounce the takeover as a "hostile" and "disgraceful violation" of home rule, fearing it sets a dangerous precedent for federal overreach into local affairs.
Proponents of the federal involvement assert it is a necessary response to rising crime in the capital, highlighting a divide in public opinion on the effectiveness and implications of federalizing local police.
The unfolding drama showcases a critical intersection of local governance, federal authority, and the judicial system, illustrating the tensions that arise when control over law enforcement is contested.