Washington is suing the Trump administration over its efforts to take control of the city's police force

WASHINGTON - The U.S. federal government is in open conflict with the leadership of the nation's capital. Former President Donald Trump's administration is facing a lawsuit filed against it by Washington City Hall over its growing efforts to gain direct control of the city's police force.

According to the Washington Post, this is one of the most significant intrusions by the federal government into the administration of the capital in the last 50 years, since Washington gained its own self-government. The controversial move was sparked by Attorney General Pam Bondi's decision to appoint a crisis commissioner with full police chief powers to head the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC).

This intervention means that the newly appointed commissioner can make decisions about strategy, deployment of units and the police department's budget without consulting city leaders. Critics say this is an unprecedented limitation on the powers of local elected officials who have been responsible for security policy in the capital.

The lawsuit, which the city filed in federal court, alleges that the federal government violated Washington's limited government principle and exceeded its statutory authority by taking this action. "This is a fundamental violation of the democratic right of the people of the capital to make decisions about their own security forces," the city's attorney said.

Supporters of federal intervention, on the other hand, argue that the situation requires strong leadership and coordination from federal authorities, especially at a time when the metropolis is facing rising crime and security challenges at major public events. Bondi stressed that the appointment of an emergency commissioner is to ensure a "swift and effective response" by the police to emergency situations.

The tension between Washington's City Hall and the federal administration over control of the police is not new, but analysts say it has now reached an unusual intensity. The dispute could have long-term consequences not only for the functioning of the security forces, but also for the very status of the capital, which has a special position among American cities and states.

A federal court will decide in the coming weeks whether the administration's move is legally justified or whether it represents an overstepping of the constitutional bounds of power.

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