Top Democrat Vows To Block Trump’s Push To Address Crime In DC

Maryland Democrat to Introduce Resolution Against Trump’s Police Control in D.C.

Maryland Democrat Jamie Raskin is expected to introduce a resolution as early as Wednesday aimed at terminating President Donald Trump’s emergency powers over the police in Washington, D.C.

Raskin, known for his opposition to Trump and representing areas that include parts of the D.C. suburbs, plans to bring forth a joint resolution that would revoke the presidential emergency, returning control of law enforcement in the district under a Nixon-era law. While the resolution is likely to face failure in the Republican-majority House, it could place moderate Democrats in a challenging position when they reconvene in September, especially those who wish to avoid being labeled as lenient on crime.

“The President has the political responsibility to consider the sentiments of Washington, D.C. residents, who have largely opposed him,” Raskin stated during an interview with Axios. “This presents another opportunity to seek justice.”

On Monday, Trump invoked the Home Rules Act, which permits the president to manage D.C. police for 48 hours during “special conditions of urgency.” The President may extend these emergency powers for up to 30 days if he provides a rationale to the Congressional Committee overseeing D.C.

The Trump administration has sent the necessary notifications to both the House Oversight Committee and the Senate’s Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

If Trump seeks to maintain federal oversight of law enforcement beyond that initial period, he’ll need Democrats’ support. A joint resolution extending his emergency powers must secure a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate.

At a White House briefing on Monday, Trump asserted, “This is D.C.’s day to regain control, and we are taking it back.”

Raskin’s resolution, along with comments from mid-house Democrats, underscore a significant opposition to the federal government’s crackdown on D.C. law enforcement amid rising crime concerns.

“Violent crime in Washington, D.C. is at its lowest in 30 years,” stated House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries on Monday. “Trump has no justification for taking over the local police force; his credibility on law and order is non-existent.”

Jeffries further added, “Just get lost.”

The White House has contended that D.C. underreports crime. They note that if the capital were classified as a state, it would have the highest murder rate. Meanwhile, D.C. Police Union Chairman Greg Pemberton endorsed Trump’s temporary police control, arguing that “crime is spiraling out of control and our officers are overwhelmed.”

It remains uncertain whether Raskin’s resolution will be brought to a vote when the House returns in September. Maryland Democrats have claimed that Trump’s focus on violent crime is a distraction from other pressing issues facing his administration.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) criticized Trump’s federal approach to policing, claiming Democrats are choosing to protect criminals instead of the communities they serve. NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella remarked that “President Trump and Republicans are working to restore order in our nation’s capital, while Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries combat that effort.”