The District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on August 15, 2025, challenging the Trump administration's federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department. The legal action was initiated by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who described the move as a "hostile and unprecedented power grab." This lawsuit follows the administration's appointment of a federal official as the emergency head of the police department, granting this individual full police chief powers. The takeover, initially set for 30 days, has sparked controversy and criticism from local officials and unions, who argue it undermines local governance and has negatively impacted the district's hospitality and tourism sectors, including a decline in restaurant foot traffic. President Trump defended the takeover, claiming that DC restaurants have been busier than usual, a statement contradicted by data showing decreased business. Critics warn that this federal intervention could set a precedent for similar actions in other cities, with concerns about the use of militarized forces and implications for the 2026 elections. A federal judge appointed by the Biden administration has blocked the takeover, highlighting the ongoing legal and political dispute over control of law enforcement in the nation's capital.