Vance Signals Trump May Extend Federal Control of D.C. Police

Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that the Trump administration is prepared to keep the Metropolitan Police Department under federal command beyond the 30-day limit set by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act if public-safety conditions warrant it. The emergency order, signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month, declared a public-safety emergency in the nation’s capital, placed city police under federal authority and deployed National Guard troops. Vance, speaking to reporters at Washington’s Union Station, pointed to a 35% drop in violent crime and a 55% decline in robberies during the first nine days of federal oversight. He argued the results show that “political will” can quickly reduce crime and called Washington a potential model for other U.S. cities struggling with public-safety challenges. Extending the federal takeover would require congressional approval. Vance said the administration will assess progress as the initial 30-day window closes and will ask lawmakers for more time if necessary to maintain what he described as early gains in safety and public confidence.