President Trump says he would consider “tak[ing] back” Washington, D.C., on a “federal basis” if a Democratic Socialist candidate wins the city’s mayoral contest. Speaking at a Thursday press conference, Trump responded to a question about how he would react if Janeese Lewis George, described by Trump as running on socialist policies, performs well in the race to replace outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Trump framed the prospect of a Lewis George victory in terms of federal involvement, adding that he “wouldn’t like it” and implying the federal government would not allow the outcome he opposes. The reports note that the precise scope of any threat is unclear.
Lewis George responded publicly on social media, arguing that threatening D.C. over residents’ votes undermines democracy and emphasizing that D.C. elects its own mayor. She also criticized Trump for suggesting changes that would affect local governance.
The articles also reference prior federal involvement in D.C., saying Trump previously instituted a federal takeover last summer that Mayor Bowser largely cooperated with, while noting that ending “home rule” would require significant Senate support.
