Trump Readies Controversial Crime Bill Targeting Washington, D.C.
Lawmakers are preparing for a heated debate over President Donald Trump’s upcoming crime bill, a central piece of his second-term “law and order” agenda aimed at cracking down on crime in Washington, D.C.
The White House is finalizing a proposal that Trump says will serve as a model for other U.S. cities, combining tougher crime enforcement with limited infrastructure funding to “make the capital beautiful again.”
Trump currently holds temporary authority over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) — a power that expires after 30 days unless extended by Congress. His plan to prolong that control has already sparked a showdown with Democrats, who accuse him of federal overreach.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and allies like Senators Lindsey Graham and Katie Britt are working with the administration to push the initiative through Congress. The package is expected to include more federal funding for local policing, stricter sentencing, and expanded DOJ authority in local investigations.
Trump insists Congress must act quickly, calling the plan essential to “restore safety and pride” in the capital. However, with lawmakers not returning until after Labor Day — and facing a packed agenda — the bill could face delays.
Republicans argue the move is necessary to address rising crime and decay in D.C., while Democrats warn it undermines local autonomy. “It’s not the president’s job to run the local police department,” said one Democratic aide.
Despite mixed reactions in D.C., Trump’s team is leaning into a message of action, visibility, and deterrence, portraying the initiative as proof that Republicans can deliver safety where Democrats have failed.
As the White House readies the proposal, the coming months promise a major political battle over control, crime, and the future of the nation’s capital.
