End Trump's Takeover of D.C. and Demand Statehood
Since August of 2025, the Trump administration has exploited emergency powers to [take control of D.C.]https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/11/trump-washington-dc-crime) Under the guise of the city being “taken over by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals”, Trump invoked section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, even though crime in D.C. has been at a 30 year low. Using this rule, Trump was able to deploy the National Guard and federalize the D.C. police department to fight crime against “roving mobs of wild youth, drugged out maniacs and homeless people”.
Though the deployment was set to expire at the end of 2026, the administration has now stated that will extend this deployment through the remainder of Trump’s term in office.
These unprecedented steps have no basis in reality and are another abuse of power by Trump and his administration. Residents of Washington, D.C. pay federal taxes, but don’t have Senators or a Representative to vote on issues affecting them. Local laws that voters support can be overruled by Congress without the protective rights of a state. D.C. has a larger population than both Vermont and Wyoming, but less say in our government than either. In 2016, 86% of Washington, D.C. voted for statehood over the unjust status quo.
Rep. Jamie Raskin and Sen. Chris Van Hollen introduced legislation, H.J.Res. 115 and S.J.Res. 75, to terminate Trump’s emergency order and end the federal government’s occupation of DC. Lawmakers should also prioritize making the District of Columbia a state by supporting H.R. 51 and S. 51, and ensure that the over 700,00 people living in the district receive fair and equal treatment by the federal government.
Contacts for this topic:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I’m calling to express my concern about Trump’s continued deployment of the National Guard in D.C. This authoritarian power grab is infringing on D.C.’s right of self-governance and putting the safety of D.C. residents and visitors at risk. No part of the military should be deployed and armed to police the American people. I ask that [REP/SEN NAME]…
[CHOOSE 1-3 options]:
- [IF CALLING HOUSE] support H.J.Res. 115, the joint resolution to terminate Trump’s emergency order and federal occupation of DC, (and)
- [IF CALLING SENATE] support S.J.Res. 75, the joint resolution to terminate Trump’s emergency order and federal occupation of DC, (and)
- introduce and support an amendment to the NDAA that terminates Trump’s emergency order and secure’s DC’s right to self-governance, (and)
- [IF CALLING HOUSE] support H.R. 51 to make District of Columbia the 51st state in the union.
- [IF CALLING SENATE] support S. 51 to make District of Columbia the 51st state in the union.
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