Seattle Leaders Condemn Trump’s Federal Takeover of D.C. Police, Warn of Precedent for Other Cities

Seattle Leaders Condemn Trump’s Federal Takeover of D.C. Police, Warn of Precedent for Other Cities

SEATTLE – Local leaders are voicing strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s unprecedented move to seize control of Washington, D.C.’s police department and deploy the National Guard to the capital. Many fear the decision could open the door for federal takeovers of police forces in other U.S. cities.

Mayor Harrell: “No City Is Perfect” but Seattle Making Progress

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell criticized the president’s actions, framing them as a political distraction from unfulfilled campaign promises.

“We’re not perfect, but no city is,” Harrell said, acknowledging that Seattle continues to grapple with crime and homelessness.

He stressed, however, that Seattle is making progress, citing Seattle Police Department (SPD) data showing that violent and property crime rates are declining.

Concerns Over Expanding Federal Power

The president’s decision to federalize D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department and deploy the National Guard has raised alarms among city leaders nationwide. They worry that similar measures could be applied to cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Seattle University political science professor Patrick Schoettmer explained that under the Home Rule Act, the president can federalize D.C.’s police to perform federal functions when deemed necessary. However, such authority does not extend to state or local police forces elsewhere without specific legal grounds.

“They don’t have a right to come in here and tell our police what to do,” Harrell said, pointing to the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

Jayapal: “An Authoritarian Takeover”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sharply criticized the president’s actions on social media.

“This is an authoritarian takeover, plain and simple,” she tweeted. “Trump is grabbing power like a dictator, and he won’t stop with D.C. — your state or city will be next.”

Jayapal’s statement reflects a broader fear among critics that the move is part of a strategy to consolidate executive power under the guise of public safety.

Seattle’s Crime Trends

Harrell reiterated that his administration is focused on local solutions, noting that Seattle has seen measurable crime reductions this year. SPD data from January through July shows declines in:

  • Property crime

  • Aggravated assaults

  • Homicides

  • Robberies

  • Rapes

“It’s a clear distraction because he hasn’t delivered on his promises, prices are still high,” Harrell said. “We’re doing our job. We’re driving our crime rates down.”

National Debate Over Federal Authority

Trump’s decision has ignited a national debate over the balance of power between federal and local authorities, particularly regarding policing. Supporters of the move argue it is necessary to restore safety in the capital, while opponents warn it erodes local control and sets a dangerous precedent.

As Seattle leaders continue to push back, the broader question remains: Could the federal government use similar justifications to intervene in cities far beyond Washington, D.C.? For now, Harrell says, the city is determined to keep its policing decisions local — and its progress intact.

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