Washington, D.C., is experiencing a surge of protests and dissent against the federal law enforcement deployment ordered by President Trump, with residents expressing concerns over civil liberties, racial issues, and the city's lack of statehood, leading to a shared sense of opposition and calls for greater local autonomy.
President Trump announced plans to seek an extension beyond the 30-day limit for the federal takeover of DC police, dismissed DC statehood, discussed upcoming meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy, and confirmed his attendance at the Kennedy Center Honors, highlighting his focus on DC safety and national security issues.
President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to place Washington, D.C.'s police under federal control for 30 days, citing concerns over crime, a move criticized by D.C. officials and Democrats as an assault on local autonomy, while Republicans support it as a measure to improve safety.
During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser sparred over the issue of statehood for the district. Higgins questioned Bowser's earlier testimony and asked if she had legal counsel present. Bowser stood by her remarks and pointed out that D.C. residents do not have voting representation in Congress. The two also debated the founders' intentions for D.C. as the capital city, with Higgins making clear he is against statehood. Bowser replied by sharing the bill that would admit D.C. as the 51st state.