(NewsNation) — Officials in Washington, D.C., claimed victory Friday after a judge questioned the Trump administration’s attempts to take over the local police department as the White House rolls out a law enforcement crackdown in the nation’s capital.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi had issued an order that sought to give DEA Administrator Terry Cole control of the District of Columbia’s police force of 3,200 officers on an emergency basis. In a revised directive following a court hearing, Cole was identified as a Trump administration “designee” empowered to request services from the Metropolitan Police Department.
“A hostile takeover of our police force is not going to happen. Chief [Pamela] Smith remains in control of the police department under the supervision of our mayor,” Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said at a news conference with Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Schwalb legally challenged the Trump administration’s takeover of the police department, saying it violated D.C.’s home-rule charter.
Local officials reportedly are working with the Trump administration on other details of Bondi’s order in hopes of reaching an agreement.
The Trump administration’s efforts to beef up security in Washington, D.C., followed the president’s public complaints that crime was out of control in the District of Columbia.
Bondi posted on X that her new directive requires the police department to “comply fully and completely with federal immigration law and authorities,” regardless of current department policies.
“We remain committed to working closely with Mayor Bowser, who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington,” Bondi said.