Analysis: The federalization of the city's police force by Trump is challenging Bowser's cautious strategy in addressing the administration.
Ultimately, President Donald Trump's proposal was one that Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., could not decline.
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In his efforts to mobilize the D.C. National Guard, deploy federal agents for urban law enforcement, and assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department — all under the pretext of combating violent crime in the capital — Trump urged Bowser to collaborate with his administration.
The law, federal funding, and a persistent threat to revoke the city's self-governance supported his position, leaving Bowser, who a former aide noted possesses a unique ability to "remove emotion" from political and policy decisions, with little option but to acquiesce.
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"My focus is on the federal surge and how to maximize the additional officer support we have," Bowser informed reporters following a Tuesday meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi.
However, it is not to imply that Bowser is pleased with her current situation, effectively ceding law enforcement in her city to a president with whom she has maintained a complex relationship since his initial term. During a videoconference with community leaders from Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening, Bowser characterized Trump's actions as an "authoritarian push."
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Nevertheless, her reaction has been considerably more restrained than that of Democrats — both locally in D.C. and nationally — who, less burdened by the practical ramifications of a confrontation with the president, have consistently and vehemently criticized Trump's actions and him.
"The Trump administration has repeatedly violated the law and the Constitution to advance the personal and political ambitions of a would-be monarch," stated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., in a statement on Monday. "We stand in solidarity with the residents of the District of Columbia and denounce this unwarranted power grab as illegitimate."
During a news conference on Monday where he asserted his authority through an executive order, Trump referred to Bowser as "a good person who has made efforts," adding that he took action because "she has been afforded numerous opportunities."
Bowser is currently facing a disadvantage as her administration strives to persuade Congress and Trump to reverse a law enacted this year that has frozen $1 billion in city funds. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., stated in May that he would act "as quickly as possible" to rectify what some Republicans have described as a drafting error in the law. Earlier this year, the Senate approved a modification, but the House, which is currently in recess for August, has not taken any steps to forward it to the president for his approval.
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In addition, federal law clearly grants the president the authority to take control of Washington's Metropolitan Police Department for a maximum of 30 days during a declared emergency, as he did this week, and to mobilize the D.C. National Guard.
On Tuesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that approximately 850 federal law enforcement officers and agents were deployed throughout the city on Monday night, resulting in 23 arrests for various offenses, including homicide, drug-related crimes, fare evasion, and reckless driving.
Leavitt did not respond to inquiries regarding Trump's relationship with Bowser, nor did city spokesperson Susana Castillo.
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Justin Bibb, the mayor of Cleveland and president of the Democratic Mayors Association, expressed in an interview with NBC News that municipal leaders nationwide are closely monitoring the developments in Washington — particularly following Trump's activation of the California National Guard to aid in immigration enforcement in Los Angeles — with a sense of caution.
"Absolutely, we are concerned about it," he remarked. "I want to be very clear about one thing: We do not want the National Guard in our cities."
Bibb also supported Bowser's management of Trump's recent crackdown, highlighting the exceptional circumstances Bowser faces compared to leaders of other major cities.
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"She understands and acknowledges that she is in a unique situation where D.C. lacks true statehood, and her autonomy may be restricted, but ultimately, she will continue to co