The history behind Washington, D.C.'s unique relationship with the federal government

WBUR

Published August 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM PDT

President Trump’s takeover of Washington, D.C.’s metro police department and deployment of the National Guard is controversial yet possible under the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973.

WAMU’s Justin O’Neill explains how Washington, D.C., fought to get to where it is now and why its residents still push for statehood and autonomy.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

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