Former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for a proposal that would place Washington, D.C., back under full federal control. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he believes the federal government should take over the city to improve safety and cleanliness.
“I think we should take over Washington, D.C. — make it safe,” Trump stated. He also added, “I think that we should govern the District of Columbia.”
Currently, Washington, D.C., has limited self-governance under what is called “Home Rule.” This means the city can make its own laws, but Congress has the power to review and even overturn them. Some Republican lawmakers have proposed removing this autonomy and placing the city directly under federal control, as it was in the past.
Trump expressed concerns about crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital. While he mentioned that he personally likes D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, he criticized the city’s leadership.
“They’re not doing the job,” Trump said. “There’s too much crime, too many tents on the lawns — these magnificent lawns.”
He also highlighted that Washington, D.C., is an important place where world leaders visit, and he believes homelessness should not be visible during these visits.
“You just can’t let that happen,” he said. “You can’t have tents covering your beautiful, once-magnificent plaza and lawns.”
Trump’s comments reflect an ongoing debate over how Washington, D.C., should be governed. While some argue that the city should have full statehood and more independence, others believe the federal government should have more direct control to ensure better management.
This issue has been a point of contention for years. Supporters of D.C.’s current system argue that local officials should continue making decisions for the city. However, critics, including Trump and some Republican lawmakers, believe that the federal government should step in to address problems such as crime and homelessness more effectively.
The discussion over D.C.’s governance is likely to continue as lawmakers consider proposals that could impact how the city is run in the future. For now, Trump’s statements have added to the debate, emphasizing his belief that federal control would lead to better management of the nation’s capital.
