President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would deploy the District of Columbia National Guard and federalize the Metropolitan Police Department was met with the usual round of critical press releases and sternly worded X posts from Democrats in Congress.
But the one thing Democrats weren’t saying was the only thing that could actually stop Trump: They would use the appropriations process to get their way.
Of course, Democrats have limited tools to prevent Trump from effectively taking over policing in the District. Republicans would gleefully welcome the opportunity to vote down any legislation Democrats introduce on the matter. In fact, they already are.