In a controversial escalation, Trump warns he may assume direct authority over the nation’s capital to tackle crime and governance failures, imposing federal control unless local officials act swiftly.
President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that his administration could assume direct federal control over Washington, D.C., if the city’s government fails to take stronger action against crime.
In a post on social media, Trump accused local leaders of being too lenient on young offenders and called for sweeping changes to the city’s criminal laws.
“The Law in D.C. must be changed to prosecute these ‘minors’ as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14,” the president wrote.
Trump said his administration was prepared to step in if necessary.
“If D.C. doesn’t get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City.”
The statement comes amid rising political debate over crime in the nation’s capital and renewed discussions about the limits of D.C.’s home rule, which grants the city self-governance but leaves ultimate authority with Congress and the president.