President Donald Trump speaks during an event at the Kennedy Center Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
The provision allows for the president to effectively federalize the local police force for up to 30 days, unless Congress, through a joint resolution, grants him an extension. But questions remain over whether that kind of resolution would hit the Senate’s typical 60-vote threshold or if it could pass through a simple majority.
Trump on Monday invoked a section of the Home Rule Act that governs the district to give himself the authority to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department and has since sent in National Guard troops, alongside FBI and DEA agents, to patrol the streets.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah., arrives for the Senate Republicans' leadership election in the Capitol Nov. 13, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
When asked for comment on Trump’s latest remarks regarding an extension, Thune’s office referred Fox News Digital to his previous statement on social media in which the GOP leader lauded the administration’s move.
"Washington, D.C., should be a place where people can safely live, visit, work, and raise a family, and [Monday’s] announcement is a positive step in that direction," he said.
Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson’s office for comment but did not hear back.
A clearer picture of where lawmakers stand will likely have to wait, given that they are out of town in their respective states and districts for much of the 30-day window. But the issue will likely be front of mind when they return after Labor Day.
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Still, Trump already has some public support from Republicans for extending his timeframe.
Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., told Fox News Digital in a statement he fully supported "President Trump's plan to make D.C. safe again, and will back up his efforts in the Senate."
And Sen. Mike Lee, who has a bill that would repeal the Home Rule Act and federalize the district, similarly would support extending the 30-day window, "with the ultimate goal of working with him to pass the BOWSER Act and restore full Congressional oversight of the city."
"The safety and sanity of our nation’s capital should not depend upon having good presidents in the Oval Office, but I’m glad we have one now," the Utah Republican told Fox News Digital in a statement.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republicans-ready-support-trumps-move-skirt-congress-dc-crime-crackdown