By the authority granted to me as President under the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 740 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-198), as amended (section 740 of the Home Rule Act), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby decree:
Section 1. Crime is spiraling out of control in the District of Columbia.
Washington, D.C., serves as the heart of American governance, yet an unsettling rise in violence now threatens the safety of public servants, citizens, and tourists alike. This surge in crime disrupts not only secure transportation but also the essential functions of our Federal Government, compelling us to redirect critical resources toward emergency response and security measures. The city government’s inability to maintain order has severely hampered the Federal Government’s efficiency, leaving workers vulnerable to violence in an environment where they should feel secure.
The increase in violent crime in our Nation’s capital has repercussions that extend beyond the individual tragedies that fill our news feeds. Such unchecked lawlessness poses severe risks to the core Federal functions that are critical to our democracy. This environment of fear undermines the recruitment and retention of vital Federal employees, disrupts governmental operations, and ultimately threatens the well-being of our Nation. It is a disgraceful reality anywhere, but especially so in the capital of the United States. Citizens, visitors, and Federal workers deserve an environment of tranquility and security, not one shadowed by fear and violence. The effective functioning of executive departments, courts, diplomatic missions, and the Federal Government itself relies on a robust law-enforcement system capable of curbing this alarming rise in violent crime, rather than allowing Government employees to be attacked or fatally shot near the very buildings where they serve.
The severity of the violent crime crisis has positioned the District of Columbia among the most dangerous areas in the United States. In 2024, D.C. recorded some of the highest robbery and murder rates among large U.S. cities. With a homicide rate of 27.54 per 100,000 residents, it has surpassed all 50 states in violent crime, murder, and robbery rates. Additionally, D.C. faced the highest vehicle theft rate in the nation, with an alarming 842.4 thefts per 100,000 residents—over three times the national average of 250.2. By several metrics, the District of Columbia ranks within the top 20 percent of the most perilous cities globally.
As President, I hold a profound responsibility to ensure the faithful execution of our laws and to safeguard the security of U.S. citizens living in and visiting our Nation’s capital, including Federal employees commuting to the District. Such conditions are intolerable and must not continue. Our goal is to transform the District of Columbia into one of the safest cities in the world, not the most dangerous.
Sec. 2. Utilization of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
I hereby declare that exceptional emergency conditions exist that necessitate the deployment of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (Metropolitan Police force) for Federal purposes, which include maintaining law and order in the Nation’s capital, safeguarding Federal buildings, national monuments, and other Federal properties, and ensuring the conditions required for the orderly operation of the Federal Government. Effective immediately, the Mayor of the District of Columbia is required to allocate the services of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes for the maximum duration permitted under section 740 of the Home Rule Act.
Sec. 3. Operational Oversight of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.
(a) The authority granted to the President by section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act to direct the Mayor concerning the current emergency conditions is hereby delegated to the Attorney General.
(b) In accordance with section 740(a) of the Home Rule Act, the Mayor shall provide the Metropolitan Police force’s services as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Attorney General.
Sec. 4. Monitoring and Recommendations.
(a) The Attorney General shall monitor and regularly confer with any senior official the Attorney General finds suitable regarding the emergency conditions that necessitate the Metropolitan Police force’s involvement for Federal purposes.
(b) The Attorney General will provide me with regular updates on the status of these emergency conditions that require the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes.
(c) The Attorney General will inform me of any circumstances that may indicate a need for further Presidential action or suggest that the measures outlined in this order are no longer necessary.
Sec. 5. Severability.
If any part of this order, or its application to any individual or situation, is found to be invalid, the remainder of this order and its provisions shall remain unaffected.
Sec. 6. General Provisions.
(a) Nothing in this order shall impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to any executive department or agency, or its head; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order does not create any right or benefit, either substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs associated with the publication of this order will be borne by the Department of Justice.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
August 11, 2025.
