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President Donald Trump’s takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., could last beyond the current 30-day limit if Congress passes legislation introduced this week by Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn.
Ogles unveiled the “Capital Emergency Control Act of 2025” on Wednesday, saying it would amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to remove the one-month cap on federal control. Under current law, the president can assume authority over the city’s police for up to 30 days, with any extension requiring congressional approval.
“President Trump has rightly declared a national emergency in Washington, D.C. — a city its own government has surrendered to chaos,” Ogles said in a post on X. “I’m introducing a resolution to amend the D.C. Home Rule Act so the President can extend this emergency as long as it takes, until our Capitol is taken back and its streets are safe.”
On Monday, Trump invoked Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, directing Mayor Muriel Bowser to transfer control of the police department to the White House. He also deployed the D.C. National Guard and federal law enforcement to support a crime crackdown.
The new measure would allow the president to retain control in additional 30-day increments, provided congressional committees are notified and given a justification for the continued emergency. Congress would still be able to pass a resolution ending the authority.
Federal officials say over 100 arrests have been made since the operation began. The move has received backing from Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana and Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota. Democrats have sharply criticized the takeover, calling it a violation of local self-governance.
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., vowed to fight Ogles’ proposal, noting the district pays more in federal taxes per capita than any state yet lacks full congressional representation. “I will do everything in my power to block this bill’s progress and passage,” Norton said.
Earlier this year, Ogles introduced the “Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident Act,” or “BOWSER Act,” which would repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act entirely. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, sponsored a companion bill in the Senate. Ogles has argued that the city’s leadership has failed to control crime and that Congress should reclaim its constitutional authority over the nation’s capital.
