In a significant development, the Trump administration has agreed to scale back its controversial attempt to assume control over Washington DC's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This decision follows an emergency court hearing and a lawsuit filed by the city's attorney general, Brian Schwalb, challenging the legality of the move.

Background and Legal Challenge

The controversy began when US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order appointing DEA Administrator Terry Cole as the "emergency police commissioner" of Washington DC, effectively replacing the city's police chief, Pamela Smith. This directive was met with immediate resistance from local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and Attorney General Schwalb, who argued that the order was unlawful and threatened public safety.

In response, Schwalb filed a lawsuit seeking to void Bondi's order, asserting that the Trump administration was overstepping its authority under the Home Rule Act, which grants limited federal oversight over the district. Judge Ana Reyes, presiding over the case, expressed doubts about the administration's legal grounds for such a takeover.

Revised Directive and Implications

Following the legal challenge, the Justice Department agreed to a revised directive. While the new order maintains Pamela Smith's position as the head of the MPD, it designates Terry Cole as an intermediary between the federal administration and the police. The directive also mandates the MPD's cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, a move that conflicts with DC's "sanctuary city" policies.

The revised order allows the Trump administration to utilize MPD officers for federal purposes during emergencies, citing the Home Rule Act as justification. This development has sparked debates over the extent of federal power in the district, with both sides preparing for further legal arguments on immigration policy.

Federal Presence and Public Reaction

In the wake of the administration's initial order, federalized National Guard troops and other federal agents were deployed in Washington DC to address what President Trump described as a crisis of crime and homelessness. This move has drawn criticism from local officials and residents, who view it as an overreach of federal authority.

Mayor Bowser and Attorney General Schwalb celebrated the revised directive as a victory for local governance. "The key issue with respect to control and command of our MPD has been resolved," Schwalb stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local control over the police force.