DC Vote Denounces Unnecessary Take Over by President Trump 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 11, 2025

PRESS CONTACT:
Ilir Zherka 
202-262-4687 
[email protected]  

Washington, DC. The below is a press release in response to President Donald Trump’s announcements today that his administration is nationalizing the DC Metropolitan Police, increasing FBI activities in the District, and using the D.C. National Guard to police the city. It may be quoted in whole or in part. 

“DC residents are justifiably outraged by President Trump’s attempts today to take over law enforcement in our city,” said Jack Jacobson, DC Vote Board Chair. 

Under Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, the President can nationalize the D.C. Metropolitan Police when he “determines that special conditions of an emergency nature exist which require the use of the Metropolitan Police force for federal purposes.” He may do so for only 30 days. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a press release stating that the violent crime rate in D.C. is at a 30 year low. 

“Trump’s actions are unwarranted,” Jacobson added. “Violent crime is down by 26 percent in DC compared to last year and is at a 30-year low overall. While we all have more work to do, D.C.’s elected officials and its citizens are more than capable of dealing with public safety. Given that, DC Vote denounces President Trump’s takeover of the DC Metropolitan Police.”