As President, Donald Trump has continuously attacked many American cities, including the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Despite facing staunch opposition in the city during his first term, there are concerns that he may seek to gain more control over the district if reelected, jeopardizing the limited self-governance that D.C. residents have fought hard to achieve. With constitutional authority over the district, Trump could potentially federalize the D.C. National Guard and the Metropolitan Police Department, as well as override local laws and ordinances passed by the city’s elected Council.
City officials, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, are preparing for any potential threats to the district’s autonomy and values that may come under a second Trump administration. While acknowledging areas of shared interest with the administration, such as revitalizing federal buildings and boosting tourism, there are considerable differences that separate them. Trump has expressed his desire to “take over” the city and impose changes that align with his MAGA agenda, such as restricting abortion rights and relocating federal agencies outside of D.C.
Additionally, there are concerns that a Republican-controlled Congress could use riders attached to spending bills to further micromanage D.C., potentially repealing the Home Rule Act that granted the city its limited self-governance. Reproductive rights groups fear the loss of protections for abortion rights in the absence of federal statutes like Roe v. Wade.
Ultimately, D.C. officials are bracing themselves for potential challenges to their city’s autonomy and are prepared to defend their values and priorities against any attempts by Trump and the federal government to exert control over Washington, D.C.
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