Trump Floats Federal Takeover of D.C., Suggests Similar Move in New York Amid Political Criticism

Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said his administration was considering taking control of Washington, D.C.’s governance and hinted at potentially intervening in New York City as well — moves that would challenge long-established norms of local self-rule.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, was in contact with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and suggested the White House had the authority to override local governance in the capital.

“We have tremendous power at the White House to run places when we have to. We could run D.C. — we’re looking at it,” Trump said. “We’d get the best person to run it… The crime would be down to a minimum.”

Trump Revives Longstanding Tensions with D.C. Government

Trump has previously floated the idea of a federal takeover of the District of Columbia, often citing rising crime and policy disagreements with local leaders. However, no action has been taken. While Congress has ultimate control over D.C.’s budget and laws under the Home Rule Act of 1973, the city elects its own mayor and council. Repealing home rule would likely require congressional approval and a presidential signature — a move fraught with legal and political obstacles.

Mayor Bowser, a vocal advocate for D.C. statehood, declined to comment on Trump’s remarks. Statehood would grant D.C.’s 700,000 residents full representation in Congress — a move supported by Democrats but opposed by most Republicans, who view it as a potential gain for their rivals.

Eyes on New York: Trump Slams Leading Mayoral Candidate

Trump also took aim at New York City, specifically targeting Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the Democratic Party’s nominee in the upcoming mayoral election.

“He’s a disaster,” Trump said of Mamdani. “We’re going to straighten out New York… Maybe we’re going to have to straighten it out from Washington.”

He didn’t elaborate on what federal action he had in mind but hinted vaguely at future plans, saying, “I can’t tell you what yet, but we’re going to make New York great again also.”

A Bold, Unlikely Assertion of Power

While Trump painted his ideas as efforts to improve governance and reduce crime, any attempt to override local authority in either city would face strong legal and political opposition. D.C.’s home rule status and New York’s state constitutional protections around municipal self-governance would make such takeovers highly improbable without significant legislative and judicial action.

Nonetheless, the comments underscore Trump’s combative posture toward cities governed by Democrats — and his continued push to centralize power under a more assertive federal executive.v