Tuberville Backs Bondi's Federalization of D.C. Police: "She's Making D.C. Safe Again"

August 18, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has publicly endorsed Attorney General Pam Bondi's sweeping federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., praising her efforts to crack down on crime and restore order in the nation's capital.

His remarks come amid intense legal and political debate over the Trump administration's invocation of Section 740 of the Home Rule Act, which allows the president to place the D.C. police under federal control for up to 30 days.

"She is doing an EXCELLENT job making D.C. safe again and ensuring we PROSECUTE the criminals that are destroying our country," Tuberville said in a statement released Monday.

Bondi's Directive Sparks Legal Showdown

Bondi's directive, issued late last week, temporarily suspended D.C.'s "sanctuary" policies and ordered full cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities. She also named DEA Administrator Terry Cole as "Emergency Police Chief," replacing Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith-though that move was later walked back following a federal court hearing.

The District of Columbia filed suit against the federal government, arguing that Bondi's actions violated local autonomy and endangered public safety. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the takeover "an attack on our democracy," while Chief Smith warned the directive "upends the command structure" and poses "a greater threat to law and order than any protest".

Tuberville's Endorsement: A Political Signal

Tuberville's endorsement aligns him with the Trump administration's broader law-and-order agenda and signals support for Bondi's aggressive stance on immigration enforcement and urban crime. His comments echo a growing chorus of Republican voices calling for tougher federal intervention in cities they say have failed to control violent crime.

The Alabama senator, who is currently campaigning for governor, has made public safety a cornerstone of his platform. His support for Bondi's actions may resonate with conservative voters who view federal intervention as necessary to restore order in urban centers.

What's Next?

The federalization of D.C.'s police force is set to last 30 days unless extended by Congress. Legal challenges are ongoing, and both sides are expected to return to court next week to debate the scope of immigration enforcement under Bondi's directive.

Meanwhile, Tuberville's endorsement adds political momentum to Bondi's efforts, even as critics warn of constitutional overreach and threats to local governance.