Bondi issues 'new directive' requiring DC MPD to comply with services requested by Trump admin

Bondi designated Terry Cole, who is primarily the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, as the city's “emergency police commissioner," on Thursday and said the role gave Cole the same power as current Police Chief Pamela Smith.

By Misty Severi

Published: August 15, 2025 8:25pm

Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday night announced she sent Washington, D.C.'s Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser a "new directive" that requires the city's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to provide services requested by Terry Cole.

The move comes amid a battle between the Trump administration and the district over who is running the city's law enforcement. President Donald Trump on Monday federalized the department, but the D.C. Police Chief still reports to Bowser.

Bondi designated Cole, who is primarily the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as the city's “emergency police commissioner," on Thursday and said the role gave Cole the same power as current Police Chief Pamela Smith.

The feud escalated on Friday morning when the district sued the Trump administration over Cole's appointment.

A federal judge warned in a hearing on the lawsuit that she would side with the district if Bondi did not rewrite the directive to make Cole her "designee" for requesting services from MPD, per Politico.

"I have just issued a new directive to Mayor Bowser requiring MPD to provide the services found necessary by my designee, [DEA] Administrator Terry Cole, to comply fully and completely with federal immigration law and authorities, regardless of any policies MPD might otherwise have," Bondi posted on X.

"Unfortunately, the DC Attorney General continues to oppose our efforts to improve public safety in Washington, D.C.," she continued. "It is important to note that this same DC Attorney General is responsible for failing to enforce consequences for dangerous juvenile offenders.

"We remain committed to working closely with Mayor Bowser, who is dedicated to ensuring the safety of residents, workers, and visitors in Washington, DC.," she added.

Bowser has claimed that Smith's job as police chief this week has been to make sure that the National Guard and other assistance from the federal government are being used strategically.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes is expected to rule on other outstanding issues related to the lawsuit next week.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.