Jamie Raskin, a Democrat from Maryland, plans to introduce a resolution as soon as Wednesday aimed at ending President Trump’s emergency powers over Washington, D.C.’s police. Raskin, known for his criticism of Trump and representing areas near D.C., wants to put a stop to the presidential authority that allows federal oversight of local law enforcement, a strategy that harks back to Nixon’s time. While Raskin’s proposal is likely to be rejected in the Republican-majority House, it could complicate matters for moderate Democrats returning in September who might not want to seem too lenient on crime.
“The President has significant political support here, especially since D.C. voters have consistently rejected him,” Raskin remarked in an interview, as reported by Axios. “This is another opportunity to set things right.”
On Monday, Trump invoked the Home Rules Act, which gives him authority over D.C. police for up to 48 hours in urgent situations. He can extend this control for an additional 30 days, provided he informs the Congressional Committee overseeing D.C. about his reasons.
To maintain federalized law enforcement beyond that period, Trump would need Democratic cooperation. Both the House and Senate would require a two-thirds majority to pass a joint resolution that extends this emergency authority under the Act.
“This is the day we take back our capital,” Trump said at a White House briefing. “We are regaining control.”
Raskin’s resolution, alongside comments from various mid-level Democrats, highlight opposition to Trump’s federal approach to D.C. crime. House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries noted that violent crime in Washington is at a 30-year low, which he believes undermines Trump’s justification for federal involvement. “Trump lacks the foundation to assume control of local policing, and he has no credibility on law enforcement matters,” Jeffries stated bluntly.
The White House maintains that crime rates are higher than what D.C. officials report, asserting that Washington has one of the nation’s highest murder rates. Meanwhile, D.C. Police Union Chairman Greg Pemberton defended Trump’s move, calling attention to rising crime and the pressure on law enforcement officers.
It’s uncertain whether Raskin’s resolution will come to a vote when the House reconvenes in September. Some Maryland Democrats expressed the view that Trump’s focus on crime may be an attempt to distract from other issues, such as the handling of the Epstein Files.
On the Republican side, the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Trump’s federal action, accusing Democrats of prioritizing criminals over community safety. “Trump and Republicans aim to improve our capital, while Democrats, like Jeffries, oppose these efforts,” NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella stated.
A spokesperson for Raskin has not yet responded to inquiries about the resolution.
