Trump Says He’ll Push For ‘Long-Term Extensions’ Of D.C. Federal Takeover

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he would ask Congress to extend the 30-day limit on his takeover of D.C. police as federal agents ramp up arrests in the nation’s capital.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference at the Kennedy Center, Trump was asked if he would seek to keep National Guard troops and federal agents in D.C. past the initial 30-day limit under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. To extend his federalization of the D.C. police, Congress would need to issue a joint resolution approving of that move.

“We expect to be before Congress very quickly,” Trump said. “And again, we think the Democrats will not do anything to stop crime, but we think the Republicans will do it almost unanimously.”

The president added that Congress will need to pass a crime bill that will “pertain initially to D.C.,” adding that he would ask for “long-term extensions” of his federalization of the police force. He argued that while the federal government would work quickly to address violent crime in D.C., 30 days wasn’t long enough.

“We’re going to do this very quickly, but we’re going to want extensions,” Trump said. “I don’t want to call a national emergency. If I have to, I will.”

REPORTER: Your federalization of the police has a 30 day limit unless Congress acts to extend it…@POTUS: “We expect to be before Congress very quickly… We’re going to need a crime bill… We’re going to be asking for extensions on that—long-term extensions.” pic.twitter.com/SRuIWBGTHq

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 13, 2025

Republicans would likely approve Trump’s request to extend the 30-day limit. Both Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have voiced support for Trump’s D.C. takeover, The Daily Wire previously reported.

“I’m grateful for [Trump’s] leadership and for this administration’s commitment to protecting communities large and small across America. Washington, D.C., should be a place where people can safely live, visit, work, and raise a family, and today’s announcement is a positive step in that direction,” said Thune.

Johnson added, “Every American should be able to visit and enjoy Washington, D.C. without fear. House Republicans support this effort to CLEAN UP Washington, END the crime wave, and RESTORE the beauty of the greatest capital in the world.”

Democrats are united in their opposition to Trump’s federalization of D.C. law enforcement, with Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) calling the president’s move an “unjustified power grab” and claiming that it will put people “in danger.”

“President Trump’s plan to federalize Washington, D.C.’s local police department and unleash the National Guard on the city’s youth and homeless population has no basis in law and will put the safety of the people of our Nation’s capital in danger,” Jeffries said in a press release.

Since last week, federal agents in D.C. have arrested over 100 people, including arrests on homicide, firearms, and drug charges, according to Fox News.