House Recess Sparks Controversy as Trump Seizes Control of D.C. Police
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The House of Representatives abruptly adjourned for its August recess on July 22, 2025, amid a dispute over legislation concerning the public release of the so-called “Epstein files.” With Congress shuttered earlier than scheduled, the current resident, Donald Trump — who continues to assert sweeping authority over the federal government — moved to invoke a rarely used provision of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973, seizing control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The decision has raised alarm
across Washington, a city accustomed to demonstrations, visiting dignitaries, and heightened security, but not to routine military presence on neighborhood streets.
One resident described unease at the sight of armed patrols moving through residential areas. “Even in a city like ours, where security is always tight, this is unprecedented,” the resident said. Another longtime D.C. transplant expressed similar concerns, noting heightened anxiety while traveling to a routine doctor’s appointment. Helicopters circling overhead, the resident
said, gave the sense of a city under occupation rather than protection.
California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, a senior Democrat, condemned the move in a statement issued from her office.
Immediate Release:
August 14, 2025
ca43.press@mail.house.gov
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Releases Statement on Trump’s Federalization of DC Police
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) released the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s decision to invoke Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973 to seize control of the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC.
“Trump is continuing to advance his racist agenda against Black folks. He is now using his executive privilege to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, DC, claiming he’s doing this to reduce crime, even though statistics show crime is at a 30-year low. He’s invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973. This emergency authority allows the president to take control of the MPD for up to 30 days during a declared emergency. There IS no emergency! If it’s notabout-face crime, then what is it about?
Trump clearly hates Black people. It shows in his constant attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, his racist assaults on the legacy of John Lewis and his district, and his appalling disparagement of the late Elijah Cummings. He even blamed the devastating Potomac plane crash on “DEI.”
He has repeatedly targeted Black women, including Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, TheGrio journalist April Ryan, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Vice President Kamala Harris, and me.
He joined Elon Musk in
attacking the South African government, falsely claiming they deny justice to white Afrikaners, rewriting history, and ignoring Black suffering under apartheid. Musk, seeking a battery factory in South Africa, opposes the 30% local participation requirement, which aims to empower historically disadvantaged Black South Africans. Meanwhile, Trump simultaneously deported Latin Americans illegally and allowed 59 white South Africans into the U.S. without visas or legal processing.
This “would be” dictator is using confrontational tactics to provoke Blacks, Latinos, and others into a standoff. He is just itching to invoke Martial Law, and yes, even push for civil war. This damaged human being is pushing our country to the edge. Everyone needs to be aware and not fall victim to his lies, provocations, antics, and tactics. He’s just damn crazy!”
