D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described President Trump's declaration of a crime emergency and seizure of the Metropolitan Police Department as "unsettling and unprecedented." She disputed his justification, stating that the city is experiencing a decrease in crime rather than a spike. However, Bowser acknowledged the President's authority under the Home Rule Act, which allows for federal intervention in D.C. governance, and stated she would comply with the law.
Bowser indicated potential benefits from the increased law enforcement presence and stated her approach would prioritize the District's citizens. She suggested channeling concerns about federal actions into advocating for D.C. statehood and local control over the National Guard. This federal takeover marks a significant escalation from Trump's previous rhetoric about controlling the city.