On Thursday, Attorney General Pam Bondy appointed the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as Washington’s “Emergency Police Chief,” effectively removing the current police chief from her role.
According to Bondy’s order, DEA administrator Terry Cole will take on “all authority and duties” previously held by DC Police Chief Pamela Smith. This move sparked immediate criticism from local leaders, including DC Attorney General Brian Schwarb.
The order claimed that Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) leaders must seek Cole’s approval before issuing directives to officers. However, Schwarb countered this in a letter to Smith, arguing that the law under President Trump’s oversight of the district’s police force does not permit the federal government to alter the command structure directly.
“I believe the Bondy Order is illegal, and you are not obligated to comply,” he stated.
Initially, when the White House announced the federalization of law enforcement in the capital, Cole had been appointed interim federal administrator. His previous roles included significant assignments in Bogota, Colombia, Kabul, Afghanistan, and Mexico City.
Following the announcement, the MPD released a statement but refrained from commenting on Cole’s new position.
“We recognize there may be concerns regarding recent decisions affecting the Metropolitan Police Department,” a spokesperson stated. “Our priority is to deliver high-quality police services and ensure the safety of everyone in our community,” they emphasized.
Previously, both Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Smith indicated that MPD leadership would retain decision-making authority. Bowser, who was out of town on Thursday, described Trump’s actions as “unsteady and unprecedented.”
The president has signaled intentions to request an extension from Congress concerning the 30-day arrangement. Earlier this week, he also deployed National Guard troops to patrol the streets of Washington as part of efforts to address crime.
