Even before regaining control of the White House following the outcome of last November’s general election, President Donald Trump made his plans to be a dictator from day one clear to Americans. Thus, it should come as no surprise that he recently hinted that he might sign an executive order that would impose a federal takeover of Washington, D.C.
But how are our elected officials responding?
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), in a statement issued on Feb. 20, asserted that the president’s comments calling for a takeover are “anti-democratic, based on misinformation and belittling to the 700,000 residents” of the District.
Meanwhile, Republicans in both chambers of Congress have recently introduced bills to repeal the Home Rule Act, which would abolish the mayor’s office and the D.C. Council, leaving the District to be left to the whims of members of Congress – members who were elected to govern other jurisdictions.
Last week, Mayor Muriel Bowser held a press conference at the National Press Club highlighting the priorities shared with the president, which include homelessness and public safety.
However, the latest data from the Department of Justice reveals that violent crime was down 35% in 2024 with overall violent crime at a 30-year low. And according to the mayor, outdoor homeless dwellings have been reduced by 50%.
Given this data, we can only conclude that Republicans in Congress and the White House are not being transparent in their reasons for attempting to takeover D.C. In fact, we see no evidence that supports a takeover based on the alleged inability of District officials to contend with public safety and homelessness.
Here are the facts: D.C.’s population is larger than that of two states; District residents pay more federal taxes per capita than any state and pays more federal taxes than 21 states; and the nation’s capital GDP is larger than that of 15 states.
What’s more, D.C. residents, despite not having representation that is a vote in Congress, have fought and died in all of America’s wars.
Bowser said that she does not want to cause her response to the threat of eliminating Home Rule to lead to conflict with the president, and, as the first month of his presidency illustrates, being on the wrong side of Trump is an unenviable and potentially dangerous position to occupy.
“I’m not afraid, but I am strategic,” said Bowser who further noted her skepticism that the bill to eliminate Home Rule has enough support to pass in both the House and Senate.
However, given the ease with which the president has been able to advance his agenda over the past month, Washingtonians have reason to be on alert.
Waiting to react until the president signs an executive order delineating his plans for a potential D.C. takeover would be too little, too late. Keeping Home Rule is essential.
We deserve statehood and the power of self-governance, not a shady space on the plantation.