Story perspectives

Trump Threatens to “Take Back” Washington if George Wins

6/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could “take back” Washington and run it if Janeese Lewis George wins the D.C. mayoral primary.
Recent polls show George leading councilmember Kenyan McDuffie by 11 points in the June 16 Democratic primary.
George said threats to Home Rule are attacks on democracy and vowed to resist Trump’s intimidation.
Legal experts note only Congress, not the president, can revoke D.C.’s self-governance, limiting Trump’s threat.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could “take back” Washington and run it if Janeese Lewis George wins the D.C. mayoral primary.
Recent polls show George leading councilmember Kenyan McDuffie by 11 points in the June 16 Democratic primary.
George said threats to Home Rule are attacks on democracy and vowed to resist Trump’s intimidation.
Legal experts note only Congress, not the president, can revoke D.C.’s self-governance, limiting Trump’s threat.