President Donald Trump announced earlier this week the decision to federalize Washington, D.C., as he cited crime and violence.

Washington, D.C., officials are taking the Trump administration to court over what they call an unlawful federal seizure of the city’s police force, a move that’s now escalated into a showdown over immigration enforcement and the city’s limited right to self-government.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a directive issued Thursday evening that DEA boss Terry Cole will assume “powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police.” The Metropolitan Police Department “must receive approval from Commissioner Cole” before issuing any orders,

D.C. District judge Ana Reyes has scheduled an emergency hearing for 2 p.m. Friday on D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb's request for a restraining order against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's directive assuming control over the Metropolitan Police Department.

The attorney general’s comments came as she issued a new directive voiding commands issued – as recently as earlier Thursday –  by DC Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb declared that in his view, an order issued by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi "is unlawful"

Note: This segment was recorded on Friday, August 15, 2025. Washington (DC News Now) — In an unprecedented move, President DonaldTrump has taken over the DC Police Department. Trump signed two executives orders invoking section 740 of the ‘Home Rule Act’ which allows the presidents to take over the DC Police department for up to