Emergency declaration behind D.C. federal takeover expires

The emergency declaration allowing federal control of Washington, D.C., expired today, according to the mayor’s office.

(CNN)- The emergency declaration allowing federal control of Washington, D.C., expired today, according to the mayor’s office. By law, President Donald Trump cannot oversee the city’s police force for more than 30 days without congressional approval.

Analysts expect Trump will continue his deployment of the D.C. National Guard and a surge of federal law enforcement. “This was one of the most unsafe cities in the country. Now, it’s as safe as there is in the country,” Trump said.

Not all residents agree. Students across multiple D.C. college campuses staged walkouts, demanding their schools resist cooperating with what they call a “military occupation.”

Police data shows violent crime, car thefts, robberies, and homicides have decreased since the takeover. At the same time, OpenTable reports seated diners at restaurants fell 2% between July and August, and 5% compared to June. Destination D.C., the city’s tourism nonprofit, also reports a decline in visitors.

Tourists, however, remain divided. “Took the metro here. Didn’t see any National Guard. Didn’t see any issues,” said visitor Stephen Horowitz.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers have introduced bills to expand federal authority over D.C.’s justice system. The White House signaled that Washington may be only the beginning. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president would love to do this in every Democrat-run city across the country.”