Attorney General Pam Bondi appoints DEA administrator as 'emergency' D.C. police chief

Published on August 15, 2025

Title: The Shift of Power in D.C.'s Law Enforcement - A New Era Begins?

The recent appointment of DEA Administrator Terry Cole as "emergency police commissioner" of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by Attorney General Pam Bondi marks a significant shift in power within Washington's law enforcement landscape. This move comes after President Donald Trump directed the federal government to take control of local policing and deployed the National Guard, aiming to mitigate crime rates in the nation's capital.

The decision to appoint Cole as an "emergency police commissioner" means that he will assume all powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police, effectively bypassing existing leadership such as D.C.'s current Chief Pamela Smith. This change requires any further directives from the department to be approved by Cole first.

This appointment has been met with mixed reactions from local officials like Mayor Muriel Bowser who stated that Smith is serving as "operations lead in working with federal forces." However, it remains unclear how this new arrangement will impact ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety within the district.

Historically speaking, such shifts in power have occurred during times of crisis or significant change. In this case, it appears that the Trump administration is seeking greater control over local law enforcement agencies amidst rising concerns about violent crime rates in Washington D.C. This move could potentially set a precedent for future administrations looking to exert more influence on city-level policing decisions.

From my perspective, while this change may provide short-term benefits in terms of increased federal oversight and potential improvements in law enforcement efficiency, it also raises concerns about the erosion of local autonomy and democratic processes within the district. It will be interesting to see how this new arrangement unfolds over time and what long-term implications it might have on D.C.'s policing landscape.

In conclusion, the appointment of Terry Cole as "emergency police commissioner" marks a significant shift in power dynamics within Washington's law enforcement community. While the immediate impact remains uncertain, this move could potentially set precedents for future administrations seeking greater control over city-level policing decisions. As we navigate through these changes, it is crucial to monitor their effects on public safety and democratic processes within our nation's capital.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/pam-bondi-dea-terry-cole-emergency-dc-police-commissioner-trump-crime-rcna225153) #attorney

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