D.C. Police Chief to Step Down Following Trump’s Move to Federalize Metropolitan Police Department [WATCH]

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith will leave her position at the end of the year, according to an announcement released Monday, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

Her departure comes months after President Donald Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to place the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and authorize the deployment of National Guard personnel across Washington, D.C.

NBC 4 Washington reported that Smith’s final day in office will be December 31. She was appointed in 2023 and became the first Black woman to serve as chief of the department.

Smith joined the MPD in 2022 and previously served as its Chief Equity Officer, where she led the agency’s DEI-related initiatives.

In a statement, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said Smith assumed leadership during a challenging period for the city.

“She came in at a challenging time for our community, where there was significant urgency to reverse the crime trends our city was facing post-pandemic,” Bowser said.

“Chief Smith dramatically drove down violent crime, drove down the homicide rate to its lowest levels in eight years, and helped us restore a sense of safety and accountability in our neighborhoods. We are grateful for her service to Washington, DC.”

Today, I announced that Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith will be stepping down.
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My statement: pic.twitter.com/fg1iEaBmOz

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 8, 2025

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Smith also released a statement acknowledging her departure. “I am deeply humbled, grateful, and deeply appreciative of my time with the District of Columbia,” she said.

“Serving as Chief of Police has been the greatest honor of my career, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser for appointing me to this position and to the DC Council for their steadfast support throughout my tenure.”

Smith added, “I am confident that the department is in a strong position and that the great work will continue, moving in a positive trajectory to combat crime and enhance public safety. Washington, DC is an extraordinary place to live, visit, and work, and I remain inspired by the resilience and spirit of this community.”

NEW:

Metropolitan Police Department Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith has stepped down.

Hopefully Trump plays a role in finding her replacement or else we will see the Metropolitan Police Department install another soft on crime, DEI hire in our nation’s capital. pic.twitter.com/demGUf6Nhy

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) December 8, 2025

President Trump announced over the summer that he was invoking federal authority to assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department.

“We’re formally declaring a public safety emergency. This is an emergency. This is a tragic emergency, and it’s embarrassing,” Trump said at the time.

“This city will no longer be a sanctuary for illegal alien criminals. We will have full, seamless, integrated cooperation at all levels of law enforcement, and we’ll deploy officers across the district with an overwhelming presence.”

Trump stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi was “taking command” of the department as part of the restructuring.

During a subsequent press conference, Smith was asked about the current chain of command.

When a reporter asked, “Do you know what the chain of command is now?” Smith replied, “What does that mean?” before walking away from the podium. Bowser then stepped in to continue the briefing.

REPORTER: “Do you know what the chain of command is now?”

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith: “What does that mean?” ‍♂️

Smith previously served as the Police Department’s “Chief Equity Officer”. pic.twitter.com/CdggV2lnP9

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 12, 2025

Smith remains in her position until the end of December as federal oversight continues.

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