Top D.C. officials, including Mayor Bowser, defended their management of local law enforcement before a GOP-led House committee, arguing that violent crime is down and criticizing Congress for not supporting local initiatives, while Republicans accused D.C. of being out of touch and pushed for more funding to hire police.
Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., pushes back against federal overreach by issuing an executive order to exit an unprecedented federal emergency, clarifying it does not extend Trump's emergency powers and emphasizing the city's autonomy, despite praise from Trump for her cooperation.
Members of the D.C. Council criticize Mayor Muriel Bowser for praising the federal law enforcement surge, which she credits with reducing crime, arguing it undermines local autonomy and represents federal overreach. The debate highlights tensions over federal intervention and local control amid crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C.
During the first week of what is described as a 'hostile takeover' of D.C. police by Trump allies, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller was seen at D.C. police headquarters amid claims of federal control, despite the mayor and attorney general asserting the police chief remains in command.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's tone towards Trump has shifted amid federal interventions in the city, including deploying the National Guard, with her expressing concern over the unprecedented actions while also acknowledging potential benefits and emphasizing the importance of community and political action to protect D.C.'s autonomy.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser defends the city's police control and recent crime decline amid President Trump's threats to deploy federal law enforcement and take over police operations, emphasizing ongoing collaboration and the city's progress in reducing violence.
Mayor Muriel Bowser remains silent in response to President Trump's threats to federalize Washington D.C. and take control of the city, despite ongoing political tensions and recent high-profile crimes. While Trump has publicly floated ideas like deploying the National Guard or taking direct control, Bowser continues to maintain a cautious, non-confrontational stance, emphasizing the city's progress in reducing violent crime and avoiding escalation of the conflict. Behind the scenes, there appears to be a respectful relationship between the Trump administration and Bowser's office, with no immediate plans for drastic action.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that if a new Commanders stadium with a dome is built, hosting a Super Bowl is virtually guaranteed, following the trend of cold-weather cities with covered venues hosting the event.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser remains confident about the Commanders' return to the city despite President Trump's threats to block the stadium deal unless the team reverts to its former name, the Redskins. The $3.7 billion stadium project, still awaiting D.C. Council approval, is seen as crucial for the team's future and the city's development plans, with Bowser emphasizing the importance of moving forward without being deterred by political pressures.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser played the long game to keep the Washington Wizards and Capitals in the city, despite initial plans to move to Virginia. After a chance encounter with team owner Ted Leonsis, Bowser worked to sweeten D.C.'s offer and bring Leonsis back to the negotiating table. The $515 million deal signed is more comprehensive and favorable to Leonsis, allowing for expansion of Monumental Sports & Entertainment's footprint at neighboring Gallery Place and beefing up security around the arena. The rekindled negotiations and a real estate proposal for Gallery Place ultimately helped seal the deal, keeping the teams in D.C. until at least 2050.
Washington, D.C. has reached a $515 million deal to keep the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena until 2050, following the collapse of negotiations in Virginia. The agreement, which still requires D.C. Council approval, includes renovations to the arena and surrounding area, with an additional $15 million for improvements to the alley connecting Gallery Place to the arena. The deal also involves bringing 17 dedicated officers around the arena and the ability to close off F Street two hours before games. The failed Virginia plan, championed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, faced Democratic opposition in the General Assembly and did not receive approval.
Former President Donald Trump called for the federal government to take over Washington, D.C. following the murder of former government official Mike Gill in a carjacking spree. Trump and former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich's comments were met with pushback from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who rejected calls for federal intervention and criticized the politicization of the tragedy. The incident has sparked debate as the D.C. Council prepares to vote on a crime bill.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser's efforts to retain the Washington Capitals and Wizards have come under scrutiny as the teams' owner announced plans to move them to Northern Virginia. Bowser made a $500 million offer to keep the teams in downtown D.C., but it appears to have been too late. Critics question whether Bowser acted with enough urgency as Virginia's efforts to woo the teams ramped up. The departure of the teams would have a significant economic impact on the District and complicate Bowser's goal of revitalizing downtown. Bowser plans to forge ahead with a task force to rethink economic development in the area.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is facing criticism for traveling to Dubai and Qatar to discuss climate change and promote tourism while the city is grappling with a surge in violent crime. The trip comes as the city recorded its highest number of homicides since 2003 and violent crime has increased by 40% compared to last year. Critics argue that Bowser should prioritize addressing crime before traveling abroad. The mayor's office stated that she will participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference and engage with leaders on various issues, including promoting Washington, D.C. as a destination for investment and tourism.
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.