In the nearly three weeks since President Donald Trump announced he would federalize the capital’s police department and deploy the national guard, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has balanced praising the president while also criticizing the takeover.
She continued to walk that fine line in a press conference Wednesday, speaking about the lowered crime rates and her communication with the White House while maintaining her criticism of certain elements of the federal takeover.
“We think there is more accountability in the system, or at least perceived accountability in the system that’s driving down illegal behavior,” she said. “What we know is not working is a break in trust between police and community, especially with new federal partners in our community. We know having mass ICE agents in the community has not worked. And National Guards from other states has not been an efficient use of those resources.”
Bowser said she spoke with Trump Wednesday afternoon to speak about “shared priorities” in the city. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding details of the call.
She also said she would support his request to Congress to beautify the city and improve infrastructure.
“I was reminded that the president’s interest in cities predates his time in office and his knowledge of D.C. had significantly increased from the first time he was in the White House,” Bowser said. “So we knew that the priorities around safety and investment in infrastructure would be on the president’s mind.”
Trump’s invocation of his authority under the Home Rule Act lasts 30 days. To extend beyond that, he needs approval from Congress. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) introduced a bill Friday that would extend the federal takeover to six months. It would apply to all future invocations of the Home Rule Act.
Bowser repeatedly insisted during the press conference she did not know whether the president would seek this approval, but that Washington would be prepared to “take advantage of additional federal officers” to support efforts “when that time period expires.”
The fed has continued expanding its control of the city. On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced it would exert renewed control over Union Station, which it owns.
“It is appropriate in my view for the federal government to make the necessary investments in the transformation of Union Station,” Bowser said Wednesday.