Trump Suggests Federal Control of D.C. Amid Mayoral Race
President Donald Trump has suggested that the federal government might “take back” Washington, D.C., if Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist currently leading in polls, wins the district’s mayoral race. Trump’s administration has often clashed with D.C. leaders and other liberal cities on various issues like immigration and public safety. In the 2024 election, D.C. gave Trump less than 7% of its vote, indicating its strong Democratic preference. The winner of the Democratic primary on June 16 is favored to win the general election.
Trump made these comments after an Oval Office engagement when asked about Lewis George’s candidacy. He stated, “Maybe we take back Washington and run it on a federal basis. We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses. By the way, Washington now is a safe, beautiful place.” Janeese Lewis George is currently leading in both polls and prediction markets.
D.C. Mayoral Candidates Rebuke Trump Remarks
Several mayoral candidates have responded strongly to Trump’s remarks. Rini Sampath, a cybersecurity director, expressed her shock to Newsweek, highlighting the need to prevent Trump’s interference in local elections. She emphasized, “D.C. is a majority-Black city that has been denied full democracy for decades.” Ernest Johnson, a nonprofit leader, stressed the importance of protecting D.C.’s home rule and criticized local leaders who do not strongly defend the district’s autonomy.
Hope Solomon, experienced in national security, criticized opponents for refusing to work with the administration. She said, “You don’t protect D.C.’s autonomy by refusing to show up. You protect it by showing up, making your case, and fighting for the city.” Solomon also stressed the need to address the budget crisis.
Janeese Lewis George’s Polling Lead
Janeese Lewis George is leading in the Democratic primary according to two recent polls. This primary will be the first in D.C. to use a ranked-choice voting system. If no candidate secures over 50%, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated and their votes reassigned based on voters’ next preferences.
The Washington Post/George Mason University Poll (May 27-June 1; 836 likely Democratic voters):
- Janeese Lewis George: 36%
- Kenyan McDuffie: 25%
- Vincent Orange: 4%
- Gary Goodweather: 3%
- Rini Sampath: 3%
- Ernest Johnson: 1%
- Hope Solomon: 1%
City Cast/TrueDot Poll (May 12-17; 487 registered Democrats):
- Janeese Lewis George: 39%
- Kenyan McDuffie: 34%
- Gary Goodweather: 7%
- Vincent Orange: 5%
- Rini Sampath: 4%
- Ernest Johnson: 3%
- Hope Solomon: 2%
What Do Prediction Markets Show?
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket show Lewis George leading with an 89% and 87% chance respectively. These markets fluctuate based on polling, fundraising, and political developments, reflecting trader sentiment rather than precise predictions.
Who Is Janeese Lewis George?
Lewis George is a member of the Council of the District of Columbia, holding a law degree from Howard University. She has served as a prosecutor in Philadelphia. Elected to the council in 2020, she identifies as a democratic socialist and is endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. If elected, she would become D.C.’s first democratic socialist mayor.
Trump Has Suggested Revoking D.C. Home Rule Before
Trump has previously criticized D.C.’s home rule over crime concerns. He proposed a similar federal intervention in 2025, after an incident involving the Department of Government Efficiency. The Home Rule Act of 1973 gave D.C. residents the power to elect local leaders, though Congress retains significant control over its affairs. Any revocation would require congressional action. Recent legislative efforts to revoke home rule have been introduced but not advanced in Congress.