Donald Trump’s return to the White House could mean a rough four years for local D.C. He has promised to “take over our horribly run capital,” and gut federal programs. But what will this mean for us in reality?
Breaking Presidential Tradition
Normally, presidents let D.C. deal with its own local affairs, but Trump is fixating on D.C. in a way no other recent presidential candidate has. Throughout his campaign, he said he wants to make an example of our Democratic city and punish what he calls the “swamp,” a.k.a federal bureaucracy.
Federal Workers Purge
Trump has threatened to replace tens of thousands of current federal government workers with loyalists and cut the Department of Education entirely. Most recently, he said he wants Elon Musk to lead a government efficiency commission to do a “financial and performance audit” of government. Not only could this leave thousands of Washingtonians without work, it introduces risk to a work culture that has long been seen as one of the most stable in the city.
Supporters of Donald Trump cheer as results are announced during an election night watch party in West Palm Beach, FL, on Nov 5. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Expect More DC Micromanaging
We can expect a LOT more intervening in local D.C. politics, especially if Republicans gain control of both congressional chambers, Axios’ Cuneyt Dil tells us. “It's going to be very random what House Republicans will go after, and it will cause a nightmare for city leadership because they don't know how to legislate if they’re getting knocked down by Congress,” said Dil.
Republicans have already expressed opposition to several D.C. policies, like:
- D.C. traffic safety laws, specifically banning right on red and adding traffic cams.
- Gas stove ban and other environmental policies.
- New cannabis regulations
He Could Call In the National Guard
Trump refers to D.C. as a “filthy and crime-ridden embarrassment to our nation” and says he would bring in the National Guard to help. Because D.C. is not a state, this is something Trump could actually make happen as president. He could also appoint a tough-on-crime federal prosecutor for D.C. and nominate more conservative judges.
Expect Changes to DC’s Cityscape
One of Trump’s slogans is to make D.C. “the most beautiful capital city.” His preference towards classical architecture could impact new development in the city. Trump says he wants the FBI headquarters kept in D.C. (It’s supposed to move to Greenbelt.) He would also have leeway to make changes to the National Mall, Freedom Plaza, and other iconic areas.
Reality Check
Words are one thing, micro-managing a $21 billion city is another. Additionally, any of Trump’s most drastic changes will need Congressional approval, and it’s not guaranteed lawmakers would play along. So, prepare, but don’t panic.
