The Attorney General of Washington, D.C., Brian Schwalb, has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump. This legal action aims to stop the President’s recent moves to control the D.C. police department as part of his efforts to combat crime and homelessness in the city.
The lawsuit was submitted to federal court on Friday. Schwalb argues that Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency gives him unlawful authority over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He claims that these actions represent a serious threat to the city’s self-governance and are an infringement on the rights of D.C. residents.
Schwalb stated, “We are suing to block the federal government takeover of DC police. By illegally declaring a takeover of MPD, the Administration is abusing its temporary, limited authority under the law.” He emphasized that the federal government’s power over D.C. is not limitless and should not be used in this manner.
Earlier in the week, Trump signed an executive order that allows him to take control of the police department under the Home Rule Act. He appointed DEA administrator Terry Cole to lead the department during this period. Schwalb contends that Trump’s actions go beyond what the law permits and could jeopardize the safety of residents and visitors in the District.
In response to rising crime rates, Trump has sent federal agents from multiple agencies, including the FBI and DEA, to D.C. Additionally, around 800 National Guard troops have been deployed to assist in maintaining order. While some officials assert that crime is not a significant issue, statistics tell a different story. In 2024, D.C. recorded a homicide rate of 27.3 per 100,000 residents, making it one of the highest in the nation. The city has also seen a substantial number of assaults, robberies, and vehicle thefts so far in 2025.
Schwalb’s lawsuit reflects a growing concern about local governance and the balance of power between federal and local authorities. He insists that the city must maintain control over its police force to protect the rights and safety of its residents. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future of law enforcement in the nation’s capital.
