Attorney General Schwalb Accuses President of “Usurpation,” Seeks Emergency Block
Lawsuit Targets Federal Action to Secure Capital
President Donald Trump’s effort to bring order to Washington has met a swift legal attack.
On Friday, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued to stop the federal takeover of the city’s police force, calling the move “unlawful” and outside Trump’s authority.
The lawsuit challenges Trump’s executive order invoking Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to temporarily federalize D.C. It also targets Attorney General Pam Bondi’s directive installing the DEA administrator as “emergency” police commissioner — a move aimed at bypassing current MPD leadership.
Schwalb, a Democrat, accused the administration of “brazen” overreach. He claimed it would harm public safety and violate the city’s right to self-governance.
Push for a Quick Court Ruling
The suit seeks a temporary restraining order to block Trump’s directives before they take effect. Schwalb filed it in federal court in D.C., where U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, a Biden appointee, will preside.
Reyes scheduled a Friday afternoon hearing. The judge has already clashed with Trump once before, when she blocked his ban on transgender service members — a ruling later overturned by a higher court. Critics say her history suggests she may not be impartial.
The Justice Department even filed a misconduct complaint against her this year, citing her courtroom conduct. While no action was taken, the incident left lingering questions about her judicial temperament.
Police Leadership Protests Federal Move
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith filed a statement opposing Trump’s order. She described it as “the greatest threat to law and order” she has seen in 30 years.
Trump supporters see this as an overreaction. They argue Smith has failed to stem crime in the capital and is resisting badly needed reform.
Trump Defends Decision to Step In
Trump announced the takeover Monday, citing the city’s crime and disorder. “One of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world,” he said, describing D.C. as unsafe for residents and visitors alike.
The order deploys hundreds of National Guard troops and places MPD under temporary federal control.
On Thursday, Bondi reinforced that control by naming DEA head Terry Cole as MPD’s acting commissioner. The goal, according to administration officials, is to bring in experienced federal leadership and restore discipline.
Crime Data Under Fire
Official statistics show violent crime dropped 26% from 2023 to 2024. The White House disputes this, alleging the numbers are misleading.
“Washington, D.C., is more violent than Baghdad,” said White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. He accused local officials of “manipulating” crime data to avoid scrutiny.
The pro-Trump America First Legal Foundation has filed a Freedom of Information request to examine MPD’s crime records.
Critics Call It a Political Stunt
Opponents, including Obama-era ethics lawyer Norm Eisen, claim Trump invented a “fake emergency” to justify his actions. They argue there is no real crisis requiring federal control.
But Trump allies note that the Home Rule Act allows such intervention in emergencies and argue that public safety is a legitimate trigger. They say Schwalb is using the courts to block a lawful, temporary measure designed to protect citizens.
Trump’s Long Criticism of D.C.
Trump has repeatedly criticized the city’s condition. In March, he created the “Making DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force” to address crime and cleanliness.
“We want to have a great, safe capital,” Trump told reporters. “That includes law enforcement that works, and streets that are clean.”
Supporters say his latest move is consistent with that vision and overdue given the city’s problems.
A Test of Presidential Authority
The case will test how far a president can go in asserting control over the nation’s capital. While Congress has ultimate authority over D.C., the Home Rule Act grants local leaders most day-to-day powers. Section 740, however, allows temporary federal control in an emergency.
The administration argues that rising concerns over safety meet that threshold. Critics claim it does not.
Next Steps in Court
Judge Reyes will decide whether to block Trump’s orders immediately. If she grants the request, the takeover will be on hold. If not, federal command over MPD begins at once.
For now, the president remains unapologetic. “We’re going to make D.C. safe,” Trump said. “And we’re going to do it right.”
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