Rep. Jamie Ruskin Criticizes Trump’s Federal Control Decision
Rep. Jamie Ruskin (D-MD) has openly criticized President Donald Trump’s move to assert federal control over security forces in Washington, D.C., particularly in relation to deploying the National Guard. He has indicated plans to introduce a joint resolution aimed at terminating the emergency declaration soon.
As a key member of the House Judiciary Committee, Ruskin is gearing up for a legislative challenge against the emergency President Trump declared under section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rules Act. This law permits Congress to revoke a presidential emergency declaration affecting the district after a waiting period of 48 hours. He expressed his intent to push forward with this resolution later this week.
In an interview, Ruskin highlighted that violent crime rates in the district have been decreasing lately, which casts doubt on the rationale for the emergency declaration. He described the situation as a “far-reaching use of these forces,” raising numerous legal concerns.
Moreover, he connected his stance to Trump’s refusal to disclose information related to Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting this demonstrates a “vendetta” against the residents of Washington, D.C., who have consistently opposed him. Last month, he labeled Trump’s withholding of Epstein-related material as “dangerous” to public safety.
On CNN later that day, Ruskin accused Trump of “fabricating” the emergency to legitimize his actions, despite the president insisting his decision was informed by violent crime statistics and specific incidents in the capital.
Contrasting the current situation with the events of January 6th, Ruskin characterized that day as a “genuine emergency,” noting that when the Capitol and even the Vice President came under attack, Trump appeared passive and lacked the authority to send in the National Guard then. He argued that this does not reflect an authentic emergency.
At a press conference regarding Trump’s federal takeover, Ruskin mentioned that the concerns raised are not simply political: “I know many of you lean liberal, but… you don’t want to be robbed, raped, shot, or killed.”
