Former US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with a proposal to place Washington DC’s police force under federal control, a move critics warn could dangerously politicise law enforcement.
Trump, who is campaigning for re-election, made the suggestion during a recent rally, framing it as a solution to rising crime in the nation’s capital. However, opponents argue the plan would undermine local governance and set a worrying precedent.
Trump’s Bold Claim
"We will federalise the DC police," Trump declared, claiming the city’s leadership had failed to tackle crime effectively. His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of crime rates in major US cities, though Washington DC has seen a decline in violent crime this year.
Critics Sound the Alarm
Legal experts and local officials have condemned the proposal, warning it could erode the separation of powers and lead to partisan interference in policing. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called the idea "unconstitutional" and vowed to resist any such move.
Civil rights groups have also expressed concerns, fearing federal control could result in harsher policing tactics targeting minority communities.
The Political Backdrop
The proposal aligns with Trump’s "law and order" campaign messaging, but analysts suggest it may be more about rallying his base than offering practical solutions. With the 2024 election looming, the debate over crime and policing is set to intensify.
