WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward federalizing Washington, D.C. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders pointed to data showing violence is down. Bernie Bennett shares details about the President’s authority in this matter. VERBATIM: The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia […]
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Trump’s Presidential Powers in DC Takeover
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump took unprecedented steps toward federalizing Washington, D.C. on Monday, saying it’s needed to fight crime even as city leaders pointed to data showing violence is down. Bernie Bennett shares details about the President’s authority in this matter.
VERBATIM:
The Constitution calls for the creation of the District of Columbia to serve as the federal seat of power under the jurisdiction of Congress rather than any state.
While the Home Rule Act allowed for greater local control, the president can still call up the National Guard in Washington. Section 740 of the Home Rule Act allows for the president to take over Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department for 48 hours, with possible extensions to 30 days, during times of emergencies.
It wasn’t immediately clear how long this takeover might last or exactly what it might mean. It could also face challenges in court.
Bernie Bennett, Washington.