The law Trump invoked applies only to the District of Columbia because it lacks a governor to approve or deny the federal intervention. “Washington, D.C. is in a unique position and is uniquely powerless vis-à-vis the federal government,” Chertoff says.

The White House and D.C. leadership each try to assert that they are in control of the force, even as they emphasize cooperation and shared priorities.

President Donald Trump said the federal government will take control of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department.