Trump Threatens D.C. Takeover if Janeese Lewis George Wins
President Donald Trump warned on Thursday that the federal government could move to take greater control of Washington, D.C., if janeese lewis george wins the race for the District’s next mayor. He said, “I wouldn’t like it” and added, “maybe we’ll take back Washington and run it on a federal basis.”
The comments put Home Rule at the center of the mayoral race. Lewis George responded that residents should not protect their rights by “obeying in advance,” while Congress would still have to approve any elimination of D.C.’s Home Rule.
Trump's White House warning
Trump made the remarks at a White House news conference on Thursday. He said, “We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses.”
He also cast the city in positive terms, saying, “By the way, Washington, now, is a safe, beautiful place.” He added, “People are coming; restaurants are thriving.”
Trump continued, “The restaurants were all closing, closed. … Now you can’t get restaurant space … We have a thriving community; we got rid of the crime.” He did not lay out a specific plan for how the federal government would assume more control over the District.
Janeese Lewis George response
Lewis George, a Ward 4 Council member and one of seven candidates in the race, has campaigned on housing affordability, tenant protections and expanding public services. She said, “We are not going to get ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) off our streets by fearing this president. We are not going to protect our rights or Home Rule by obeying in advance.”
She also said, “Threatening Home Rule because you do not like how residents vote is an attack on democracy itself. The people of D.C. elect the mayor of D.C. and they want someone who will stand up to Donald Trump.”
Kenyan McDuffie's challenge
Former Council member Kenyan McDuffie, also seen as a leading contender, said it is up to D.C. residents to decide the next mayor, not the president. His campaign said, “As mayor, I’ll fight tooth and nail to protect Home Rule and defend against MAGA federal overreach, keep our city safe and revive our economy that Trump’s policies have decimated, including the tens of thousands of residents who have been laid off by his unconscionable actions with Elon Musk.”
Sunday is the final day of early voting, and Election Day is June 16. Any change to Home Rule would still require congressional approval, leaving the race tied to a federal process that cannot be carried out by the president alone.
