The American capital, Washington, continues the Trump administration in court for what it describes as “Hostile takeover” of the city’s police by the American president to, he says, fight against crime, in a complaint filed Friday, August 15.
Earlier in the week, Donald Trump announced to maintain order in the capital under the control of his administration and deploy soldiers of the National Guard, exceptional measures for this city he says “Invaded by violent gangs” and wants ” to clean “. The Minister of Justice, Pam Bondi, also chose to appoint a new “Emergency manager” at the head of the police.
The federal law governing the capital “Do not allow this usurpation of the city authority on its own government”can we read in the complaint filed by the Washington prosecutor, Brian Schwalb. He accuses the Trump administration of having “Illegally taken operational control of the Washington police, in particular by occupying positions in the chain of command and giving political directives”according to the same source. The prosecutor requests a suspension of the decision of the Minister of Justice and asks the court to rule on the fact that Donald Trump has exceeded his authority in the city.
“The measures taken by the administration are manifestly illegal”he then declared on the social network X. “It is an affront to the dignity and independence of the 700,000 Americans” Living in Washington, he added.
“Until public order is restored in the city”
The president also mobilized 800 national guards, intended for “Provide a visible presence in important places frequented by the public, as a deterrent”The Defense Ministry said on Thursday. These reserve soldiers “Will remain on the spot until public order is restored in the city, as decided by the president”The Pentagon said Thursday. Unlike the 50 American states, the municipality of Washington operates within the framework of a particular relationship with the Federal State, which limits its autonomy.
Since his return to the White House, Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to place Washington under the control of the federal authorities, emphasizing the importance of the appearance of the American capital, where high foreign dignitaries come regularly. The American president also summoned the homeless to leave « loin » of Washington, ensuring that he wants to “Clear slums”.
The Ministry of Justice of the government of Joe Biden announced in early January that facts of violent crime in Washington had reached their lowest level in 2024 in more than thirty years. According to the annual report of the Ministry of Housing, Washington also ranked 15e Row in 2024 of large American cities with the most homeless, with some 5,600 people identified.