The Metropolitan Police Department must obtain his approval before issuing any order.
On August 14, 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terry Cole as commissioner of the Washington, D.C., Police Department, a move that signals increased federal oversight over the capital’s law enforcement. Cole’s immediate requirement for all Metropolitan Police Department orders to receive his approval underscores the administration’s grasp on local police operations, reports 24brussels.
This appointment follows President Donald Trump’s earlier decision on the same day to deploy around 800 National Guard troops amid a campaign to “restore public order” in the city. Trump activated these forces under the Home Rule Act, citing escalating concerns of crime and disorder exacerbated by local policies surrounding immigration.
In conjunction with his new responsibilities, Cole has been given full powers associated with the chief of police of the District of Columbia. His role involves not only overseeing the police operations but also coordinating with federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which are now patrolling Washington D.C. streets around the clock. This unprecedented federal intervention reflects a dramatic shift in the management of local law enforcement, raising questions about autonomy and civil rights.
During protests against federal agents, residents in Washington D.C. were seen shouting at ICE agents to “Get off our streets,” indicating significant local resistance to the federal presence. Trump has also authorized police to inquire about residents’ immigration statuses, a directive that aligns with his administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement. The Attorney General reiterated that the city’s security issues have been aggravated by its sanctuary city policies.
On August 13, Trump announced plans for extended federal oversight over the D.C. police, arguing that the legally mandated 30 days are insufficient to combat rising crime levels effectively. Cole, who brings over two decades of experience, including positions in Colombia and Afghanistan, was appointed as the head of the DEA prior to this latest role. His tenure as Virginia’s public safety chief also highlighted his credentials in the realm of law enforcement.
The developments in Washington D.C. reveal a profound transformation in the relationship between local governance and federal authority amid increasing tensions surrounding law enforcement and immigration issues. As the situation evolves, the implications for both community relations and civil liberties remain a topic of significant concern.
