|
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday threw his
support behind congressional efforts for a federal takeover of
the nation's capital, saying he approves putting the District of
Columbia back under direct federal control.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump complained
about crime and homelessness in the district, saying, “I think
we should take over Washington, D.C. — make it safe.” He added,
"I think that we should govern District of Columbia.”
Under terms of the city’s Home Rule authority, Congress already
vets all D.C. laws and can outright overturn them. Some
congressional Republicans have sought to go further, eroding
decades of the city’s limited autonomy and putting it back under
direct federal control, as it was at its founding.
Trump said he liked District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser
personally, but complained about the city's governance.
“They’re not doing the job,” Trump said. “Too much crime, too
much — too many tents on the lawns — these magnificent lawns.”
He argued that he can't have sights of homelessness when he
hosts foreign leaders in Washington. “You just can’t let that
happen,” Trump said. “You can’t have tents on all your beautiful
— your once magnificent plaza and lawns.”
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
