Washington, D.C. — In an effort to intensify crime control measures in the nation’s capital, President Trump announced plans on Wednesday to pursue “long-term extensions” from Congress for federal oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department. This announcement comes as part of his broader initiative to address concerns over public safety.

During a recent address at the Kennedy Center, Trump expressed confidence that Congress, particularly Republican lawmakers, would support his request unanimously. “I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously,” he stated.

On Monday, the administration unveiled a deployment of National Guard members to the city and indicated plans to assume control of D.C.’s police force. Through an executive order, Trump has mandated that the mayor of Washington, D.C., make police services available to the federal government for the longest period permissible under the Home Rule Act of 1973. The law enables the president to require necessary resources from the Metropolitan Police for up to 48 hours, with possible extensions made by notifying Congress.

Should further extensions be needed beyond the initial 30 days, a joint resolution from both the House and Senate would be necessary. While Republicans hold the majority in Congress, the support of at least seven Democrats is crucial for any measure to advance in the Senate, which requires a 60-vote threshold.

The president noted he could escalate the federal presence without Congressional approval if he deemed it a national emergency. However, he expressed his preference to avoid declaring such an emergency, emphasizing his belief in gaining bipartisan support. “If I have to, I will,” Trump remarked. “But I think the Republicans in Congress will approve this pretty much unanimously.”

Local police data paint a complicated picture of crime trends in D.C. Violent crime rates have actually seen a decrease over the past year and a half following a spike in 2023. Recent statistics indicate that robberies are down by 28%, contributing to an overall 26% reduction in violent crime as of early August. The Justice Department reported that last year marked the lowest levels of violent crime in the capital in over three decades.

As the president prepares to push for this increased control and legislative action, it remains to be seen whether Congress will align with his proposals, given the mixed signals coming from local law enforcement metrics.