Trump Considers Federal Takeover of D.C. and Hints at New York Intervention

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump stated his administration was considering taking control of Washington, D.C.'s governance. He also hinted at similar action in New York, expressing disapproval of a leading mayoral candidate there.

Trump has previously threatened to intervene in Washington, though he has not acted on it despite criticizing crime rates and other institutions in the city. During a cabinet meeting at the White House, the president mentioned his chief of staff was in communication with Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Trump stated the White House possessed significant power to manage locations when necessary, specifically mentioning the possibility of overseeing D.C. He noted that his chief of staff was working closely with the mayor.

The District of Columbia was established in 1790. While Congress controls its budget, residents elect a mayor and city council under the Home Rule Act. For Trump to take over, Congress would likely need to revoke that act, which Trump would then have to sign.

Trump suggested his administration could govern the city more effectively with an appointed leader. He predicted a reduction in crime and indicated the administration was seriously considering the move.

While Trump expressed a positive relationship with Mayor Bowser, he was less complimentary of Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Party's nominee for New York's mayoral election. Trump described Mamdani negatively. He then suggested his administration would "straighten out New York" and hinted at potential actions.