On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump backed a plan in Congress to bring Washington, D.C., under direct federal control again. He said he supports the idea of the federal government taking charge of the nation’s capital.

In a conversation with reporters on Air Force One, Trump lamented the district's homelessness and crime, adding, "I think we should take over Washington, D.C., make it safe." He added, "I think that we should govern District of Columbia. Under the city's Home Rule authority, Congress already reviews all D.C. laws and has the power to reject them completely. 

Some Republican members of Congress want to take this even further by reducing the city's limited self-governance and placing it back under full federal control, just like it was when it was first established. Although he expressed dissatisfaction with the city's management, Trump claimed to personally appreciate District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. “They're not doing the job,” Trump said. “Too much crime, too much too many tents on the lawns these magnificent lawns.” 

He maintained that when he hosts foreign leaders in Washington, he cannot allow him to witness homelessness. “You just can't let that happen,” Trump said. “You can't have tents on all your beautiful your once magnificent plaza and lawns.”