US President Donald Trump announced plans on Wednesday (Aug. 13) to seek congressional approval for extending federal control of Washington, D.C.'s police department beyond the initial 30-day mandate, citing ongoing security concerns. The unprecedented move, initiated Monday under Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, has already deployed 1,450 law enforcement personnel across the capital, resulting in 103 arrests since last Thursday.
While acknowledging he could bypass Congress by declaring a national emergency, Trump expressed a preference for legislative approval. However, CBS reports the measure faces steep hurdles - despite Republican congressional majorities, at least seven Democratic votes would be needed to overcome Senate filibuster rules.
The intensified policing has sparked fierce local backlash. Protesters confronted officers at newly established checkpoints on Wednesday, chanting "Fascists go home." The tensions escalated on Tuesday when a local resident was arrested for allegedly throwing a sandwich at Customs and Border Protection agents while shouting anti-government expletives. He now faces federal assault charges.
The New York Times documents growing civilian resentment as federal agents from multiple agencies patrol streets in tactical gear. White House officials maintain the operation targets violent crime, though D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has condemned it as unconstitutional overreach. With congressional negotiations looming, the standoff presents a critical test of federal-local authority boundaries during election season.
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