‘If They Don’t Clean It Up… I’ll Do It’ — Trump Hints at Federal Takeover of NYC, Chicago, and D.C.
President Donald Trump has escalated his long-standing criticism of Democratic-led cities by publicly hinting at federal takeovers of police functions—and possibly entire municipal governments—in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Speaking during a recent White House Cabinet meeting, Trump issued a veiled ultimatum:
“We have tremendous power at the White House to run places when we have to,” he said. “New York City will run properly. We’re going to bring New York back.”
ABC NewsThe Economic Times
He didn’t stop there. Trump turned his attention to Chicago, calling Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker “incompetent” and sparking speculation about potential federal intervention in the city’s police forces.
Crain’s Chicago Business
Then came a stark escalation: signaling the federal government’s long-simmering frustration with local leadership, Trump floated the idea of a federal takeover of Washington, D.C. He cited rising crime as justification and said he might even deploy the National Guard while assuming control of the city’s police force.
Bloomberg LawNBC ChicagoNPR Illinois
Although violent crime statistics tell a different story—D.C. has seen violent crime decline by 25% and overall crime fall by 8%—Trump dismissed the numbers.
ABC NewsThe Economic Times
Legal Hurdles Ahead
While Trump floated the possibility of acting under the Home Rule Act, which grants limited federal authority over D.C. in emergencies, experts say any true takeover would require congressional approval.
PolitiFact
Constitutional scholars and Democratic officials warn that such a power grab would be an unprecedented overreach, undermining democratic principles and local autonomy.
Why This Matters Now
Trump’s comments come amid sharp partisan divides and ahead of key local elections. Targeting cities known for Democratic leadership, he’s energized his base while triggering fears of executive overreach. Several analysts have called the rhetoric “political saber-rattling,” while others stress its serious implications.
The Week
Whether Trump can follow through is uncertain. But the suggestion alone has already rattled political and legal institutions, putting local leaders on edge and attracting intense media scrutiny.
At a Glance: What Trump Has Said and What Experts Say
| Location | Trump’s Remarks | Legal Feasibility |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | Hint: White House could step in if leadership fails | Very limited; would be legally unprecedented |
| Chicago | Called local leaders incompetent; hinted at intervention | Speculative; no legal pathway outlined |
| Washington, D.C. | Talked of deploying National Guard and controlling police | Temporarily possible under emergency, but not sustained without Congress |
| PolitiFact |
Final Thought
Is this talk—or is it the prelude to action? Trump’s threats to federalize big cities may be rhetorical posturing, but one thing is clear: they’ve reignited a fierce debate over federalism, local governance, and the limits of presidential power.
@nbcnewyork President Donald Trump says “we are taking D.C. back” and announced he’s invoking section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, placing the DC Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deploying the National Guard. The rule grants the president authority to take over the police department when there are “special conditions of an emergency nature.” Trump said he wants to “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor.” Police statistics show homicides, robberies and burglaries are down this year when compared with this time in 2024. Overall, violent crime is down 26% compared with this time a year ago. #donaldtrump #dc #nationalguard ♬ original sound – NBC New York
