Trump Vows Emergency Declaration if Congress Blocks DC Policing Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump says he could declare a national emergency to extend federal control of Washington, D.C.’s police beyond the current 30-day limit. The move is part of his crime and homelessness crackdown, which has already led to over 100 arrests. The White House says homeless encampments will be cleared within days.
Trump DC Police Control Quick Looks
- Federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department began Monday.
- Current law limits federalization to 30 days unless extended by Congress.
- Trump says he prefers congressional approval but will act unilaterally if needed.
- More than 100 arrests made since Aug. 7 under new crackdown.
- National Guard and federal agents deployed as part of the plan.
- White House says homeless residents must accept shelter or face jail.
- Seventy homeless encampments already removed; two remain on federal park land.
- Critics raise questions over civil liberties and long-term governance.
Trump Vows Emergency Declaration if Congress Blocks DC Policing Plan
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that he is prepared to declare a national emergency to keep federal control over Washington, D.C.’s police force beyond the current 30-day limit, a move that would sidestep congressional approval.
Speaking at the Kennedy Center, Trump argued the step might be necessary to sustain his administration’s law-and-order campaign in the capital. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has been under federal command since Monday, following Trump’s order to federalize the force as part of a broader crackdown on crime and homelessness.
“If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress,” Trump said. “I don’t want to call a national emergency, but if I have to, I will.”
Seeking Congressional Backing
Under current law, federal control of the MPD expires after 30 days unless extended by Congress. Trump said his team is in talks with lawmakers and expects Republican backing for a “crime bill” initially tailored to D.C., which he hopes to showcase as a national model.
While expressing confidence in GOP support, Trump accused Democrats of failing to act decisively on crime. He also confirmed that his administration will request “long-term extensions” to avoid the disruption of reverting control to city officials.
Crime Crackdown Underway
The federalization order is the latest step in Trump’s March executive order establishing the Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The initiative brought in the National Guard, U.S. Park Police, and other federal agencies to coordinate with MPD.
Since August 7, law enforcement agencies have arrested more than 100 people, including 43 on Tuesday alone, according to the White House. Officials say the arrests targeted violent offenders and individuals with outstanding warrants.
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers called the early results a sign that Trump is fulfilling his campaign pledge to “clean up” the capital.
“In less than one week, over 100 violent criminals have already been arrested and taken off the streets,” Rogers said.
Homeless Encampment Removals
The crackdown also targets the city’s homeless population. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said those living in encampments will be given two options: move into a homeless shelter for treatment and support services, or face jail time.
Leavitt said U.S. Park Police have already removed 70 encampments from federally managed parks. Two encampments remain in National Park Service areas and are scheduled for removal this week, with MPD joining the effort.
“There are only two homeless encampments remaining in D.C. federal parks under the National Park Service’s jurisdiction,” Leavitt said. “The removal of those two remaining camps is scheduled for this week.”
Potential Emergency Powers
If Congress refuses to extend the 30-day federalization, a national emergency declaration would give Trump continued authority to control the MPD. While such a move would likely face legal challenges, the president said it was on the table.
Critics have raised concerns about the constitutional implications of bypassing local governance, warning it could set a precedent for prolonged federal control over city police forces.
Supporters argue the intervention is necessary to reverse crime trends and address public safety issues more quickly than local authorities can manage.
Political and Public Response
The takeover has drawn mixed reactions from D.C. residents. Some welcome the heightened law enforcement presence, citing concerns about crime, while others worry about the erosion of local autonomy and the targeting of vulnerable populations.
Civil liberties groups have also voiced alarm over the policy requiring homeless individuals to accept shelter or face jail, arguing it criminalizes poverty rather than addressing its underlying causes.
For now, Trump’s team is betting on swift congressional action to avoid invoking emergency powers. But the president made clear that if lawmakers stall, he is ready to act on his own.
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