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By Gabe Whisnant and Anna Commander
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Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, D.C., called President Donald Trump's move to federalize the nation's capital "unsettling and unprecedented" during a news conference Monday afternoon.
"I can't say that given some of the rhetoric of the past that we are totally surprised," she added.
Why It Matters
The move represented one of the most aggressive uses of federal authority over local law enforcement in recent memory and raised questions on the balance between local control and federal emergency powers in the District of Columbia.
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Trump cited the District of Columbia's Home Rule Act in the enabling of federal control for a limited period.
D.C. Mayor Addresses Trump's Federalization Move During News Conference
At the Monday news gathering, Bowser called the nation's capital "a beautiful city, magnificent city," later adding, "limited home rule gives the federal government the ability to intrude on our autonomy in many ways."
The mayor said she believes Trump's view of D.C. was shaped during his first term in office, during and post-COVID, noting the spike in crime during the period.
On Truth Social Monday, Trump again discussed the capital: "Washington, D.C. will be LIBERATED today! Crime, Savagery, Filth, and Scum will DISAPPEAR. I will, MAKE OUR CAPITAL GREAT AGAIN! The days of ruthlessly killing, or hurting, innocent people, are OVER! I quickly fixed the Border (ZERO ILLEGALS in last 3 months!), D.C. is next!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT."
Who Is D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser?
Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of D.C., which is her hometown. She has a bachelor's degree from Chatham University and a master's from American University. Bowser has served in elected office in the nation's capital since 2004.
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What Is Martial Law?
Martial law is a term that references the military taking over the ruling and policing of a civilian area in an emergency setting.
What People Are Saying
Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro told Newsweek: "This is another effort to soak up media attention and to distract everyone from the Epstein scandal, the effects of tariffs on inflation, the ICE's thuggish behavior, and anything else that reflects badly on the Trump administration. It is action in an issue area—crime—that is a good one for the Republicans compared to the Democrats, so it has potential appeal.
"But it is not based on rampant crime but a couple recent visible outrageous incidents. It would seem not to have a lot of risk, since the country is used to Trump emphasizing misinformation in justifying his actions. But his use of the military raises further the threat of Trump's authoritarian impulses and questions about his mental stability."
Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi on X on Monday: "Donald Trump delayed deploying the National Guard on January 6th when our Capitol was under violent attack and lives were at stake. Now, he's activating the DC Guard to distract from his incompetent mishandling of tariffs, health care, education and immigration — just to name a few blunders."
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on X on Monday: "As you listen to an unhinged Trump try to justify deploying the National Guard in DC, here's reality: Violent crime in DC is at a 30-year low."
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on X on Monday: "ICE HSI agents will continue to work with our federal partners to restore peace to our capital city."
What Happens Next
The federal takeover under the Home Rule Act is limited to 30 days, absent congressional approval for an extension.
Trump also signaled in a news conference on Monday that his administration may take similar steps in other large cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Oakland, while announcing plans for a broader "beautification" campaign in D.C., which includes infrastructure repairs.
Update 08/11/25, 3:57 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 08/11/25, 5:03 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Professor Robert Y. Shapiro and additional information.
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