Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a press conference after President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department at the Wilson Building on Aug. 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Reyes convened the emergency hearing after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued to block Trump's takeover of D.C.'s law enforcement operations. Schwalb argued the move was unconstitutional and violated the Home Rule Act, a federal law that gives D.C. residents the ability to self-govern.
The hearing was a small setback for the administration, as Reyes indicated that Cole must go through Mayor Muriel Bowser to give any further directives to the police force.
Schwalb on Friday framed the hearing as a win, telling reporters his "expectation is that the key issue with respect to control and command of [the MPD] has been resolved today, and that it is clear, as a matter of law, that it is under the chief of police appointed by the mayor."
But the law also implies that Bowser must be heavily deferential to Cole, meaning he is likely to be able to continue carrying out the Trump administration's policing priorities in D.C. regarding immigration and homelessness for a 30-day period.
DOJ attorney Yaakov Roth, arguing on behalf of the government, said the president has "a lot of discretion in determining what's necessary and appropriate."
Bowser and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., attended the hearing at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse. Outside the building, dozens gathered to protest the federal takeover, which has also included activating hundreds of National Guard soldiers in D.C. More protesters, including those from the "Free DC" movement, appeared inside the courtroom, underscoring the tension that has arisen over Trump's orders.
"What we know is that D.C. residents are worried and concerned, and we have a surge of federal officers," Bowser told reporters. "Chief [Pamela] Smith's job during this week has been to make sure that if we have and while we have federal officers, that they are being used strategically."
Police officers set up a roadside checkpoint on 14th Street Northwest on Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
"They infringe on the District’s right to self-governance and put the safety of DC residents and visitors at risk," he said.
Critics have excoriated Trump’s executive order, arguing it is not reflective of any real emergency in the nation's capital, which has seen a drop in violent crime (though by how much, exactly, remains a point of contention).
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Attorney Norm Eisen, the former White House ethics czar under President Barack Obama, told reporters Thursday that Trump’s order in D.C. is the latest in a "pattern of assaults on the rule of law" in his second term as president, which all involve declaring various forms of "emergency" as a means of sidestepping normal policymaking processes.
Trump "has declared a fake emergency" in D.C., Eisen said. "There is no ‘emergency’ upon which this action with MPD or the federal military is predicated."
Jessica Sonkin contributed to this report.
Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to ashley.oliver@fox.com.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox
Subscribed
You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-casts-doubt-bondis-move-sideline-dc-police-leadership