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Washington, D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on Friday (August 15) against the Trump administration, challenging its attempt to take over the city’s police department. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, argues that President Donald Trump's actions exceed his authority and infringe on the District's right to self-governance.
The controversy began when President Trump signed an executive order on Monday (August 12), directing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to temporarily hand over control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to the federal government. Trump invoked a section of the Home Rule Act, a law from 52 years ago that established D.C.'s local government, to justify his actions. The order also pressured Congress to extend the federal control beyond the usual 30-day limit.
Shortly after the executive order, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed D.C.'s police chief to cede authority to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrator Terry Cole. However, Mayor Bowser and Attorney General Schwalb have both declared these actions unlawful. Schwalb's lawsuit seeks to vacate Bondi's order and prevent any future attempts to control the MPD or direct local law enforcement activities.
The lawsuit names President Trump, Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice, Terry Cole, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and its director, Gadyaces Serralta, as defendants. Schwalb's statement emphasized the importance of defending Home Rule and maintaining local control over the MPD.
Despite official statistics showing a decrease in violent crime in D.C., President Trump has deployed about 800 National Guard members to the city, citing concerns over crime rates.
The Department of Justice declined to comment on the lawsuit, and the White House has not responded to requests for comment.