Washington, D.C. — The Trump administration took a significant step in reshaping law enforcement in the nation’s capital, as Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday a decision transferring police authority from the local chief to the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration. This move follows President Donald Trump’s directive for federal oversight amidst rising concerns about crime in the city.

In a recent interview, Bondi disclosed that DEA Administrator Terrence Cole would assume the role of “emergency police commissioner” for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This change comes just days after President Trump deployed the National Guard to provide support to local law enforcement.

The Justice Department’s order grants Cole extensive powers traditionally held by the D.C. police chief, placing him in charge of issuing commands for the department’s operations during the declared emergency. As a result, Chief Pamela Smith will now require Cole’s approval before implementing any directives within the police force.

Following discussions with Bondi, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that Chief Smith would lead operations in collaboration with federal authorities, including Cole and other federal officers deployed to the district. Bowser stated that the aim is to efficiently allocate resources to combat violent crime.

However, the decision to assign emergency powers to Cole encountered pushback from local leadership. Late Thursday, both Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb publicly contested the legality of Bondi’s order. They argued that no statute allows for such an oversight transfer to a federal authority, raising concerns about the implications for local governance.

Schwalb expressed his views in a legal memorandum directed to Chief Smith, characterizing Bondi’s decision as unlawful and asserting that Smith is not obligated to comply with it. This legal opinion adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation between local and federal officials.

In a move aligning with Trump’s crackdown on crime, Smith announced Thursday that local police could now notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement about undocumented individuals encountered during traffic stops. Trump endorsed this decision, framing it as a vital step in efforts to address crime in the city.

Bondi, while discussing her rationale on Fox News, criticized what she termed “sanctuary policies” that she believes could deter criminal enforcement in the region. She voiced concerns that such policies would potentially lead to an influx of criminal elements into Washington.

Amidst this unfolding situation, the relationship between local and federal authorities remains strained, raising questions about the balance of power and accountability in D.C.’s law enforcement framework. As reactions continue to develop, the implications of these shifts may resonate far beyond the immediate landscape of the nation’s capital.