Navigated to The Politics Hour: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; plus, two D.C. officials with opposing views on the federal surge

The Politics Hour: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; plus, two D.C. officials with opposing views on the federal surge

August 29
50 mins

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Episode Description

The federal takeover of D.C. police is now in its third week, and we were joined on this week’s show by guests with different perspectives on the federal law enforcement surge in the District.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined the show to weigh in. He has called the federal police takeover “disrespectful” and unconstitutional. Additionally, the Governor discussed his recent public spat with President Trump, with the White House hinting at the possibility of sending National Guard troops to Baltimore and potentially clawing back federal funding for rebuilding the Key Bridge.

D.C. Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton joined the show to explain why he welcomes the federal law enforcement surge in the District, which he says has helped the MPD bring down crime and improve morale among local police. Plus, Pemberton discussed why he believes the D.C. Council should go further and repeal a 2022 police reform act, which limited certain uses of police force and increased police transparency. Congress voted to block certain aspects of the bill

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said this week she appreciates the additional federal resources, and she shared numbers showing violent crime, and specifically carjackings, have decreased significantly in the city since the surge began.

However, several D.C. Councilmembers have come out strongly against the federal law enforcement surge. Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George got behind the mic to weigh in on the federal takeover of local police and what she’s heard from residents. 

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

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