'I’m the mayor and he’s the president': Bowser navigates Trump’s DC takeover in FOX 5 exclusive

WASHINGTON - D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith said Wednesday that the city is working closely with federal law enforcement following President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration and takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Crime-fighting opportunity

What we know:

Speaking exclusively to FOX 5, Bowser and Smith described the deployment of federal personnel and National Guard troops as an opportunity to strengthen crime-fighting efforts amid staffing shortages. "This is a great opportunity for us to build on efforts to reduce crime," Smith said, noting partnerships with agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals.

When asked if arrests reported by the White House since the surge began were typical for the District, Smith said not necessarily, noting that the deployment of 500 additional personnel has boosted enforcement at a time when the department is facing staffing shortages.

"We have been, over the last several years, focused on hiring more MPD officers," Bowser added. "We're at just over 3,100 officers. We like to be at 3,800 officers. So, to the extent that you see the federal surge creating more arrests, taking more guns - MPD, with MPD officers, would do the same thing."

Smith said local officers are responding to calls alongside federal agents in a coordinated effort across the city. She also assured residents that all federal personnel are clearly identifiable by agency logos and marked vests, including those from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and DEA.

READ MORE: 43 arrested in DC Tuesday as National Guard presence expected to increase: official

Bowser said she and her staff met with Attorney General Pam Bondi and the directors of other major agencies on Tuesday to work out issues and to coordinate. "They regard it as a success to have more presence and to take more guns off the street, and we do too," Bowser said. "That's what MPD works on every single day, is taking guns off the street." Bowser said officials did make it clear that the federal deployment is part of a 30-day surge and will be evaluated at the conclusion.

"We know how the feelings of crime and perceptions of crime are sometimes different than seeing numbers go down - and we've seen numbers go down - let me be clear. Over the last two years we have reached a 30-year low and violent crime," she said. "What the chief and all of us hear from time to time though is that we don't want any crime."

"We work with our federal partners all the time, and I think that's really critical for people to understand that these relationships are not new. The surge of law enforcement personnel - I tell you - it will help me to do the things that I need to do," the police chief added. She noted that D.C. is down nearly 800 police officers and called the federal surge an opportunity to strengthen relationships with federal partners. She said those ties will help support future joint operations even after the surge ends.

READ MORE: National Guard, federal officers on the ground in DC as Trump’s takeover continues

"I’m the mayor and he’s the president"

When asked about her relationship with President Donald Trump, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded: "I’m the mayor and he’s the president."

Bowser said her administration is focused on doing its job amid the federal surge. She noted that her main point of contact during the surge is Attorney General Pam Bondi, whom she described as "straightforward."

Bowser also highlighted renewed collaboration between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the D.C. Forensics Lab, calling it a positive development for public safety.

When asked about D.C.’s reputation, she defended it, saying the District is clean, well-maintained, and home to beautiful neighborhoods across all eight wards. "Our city is running, we take care of ourselves, we're operating in a fiscal environment that's difficult, but we are maintaining our high level of services."

The mayor said that plans for the homeless were not discussed in the recent meeting, but emphasized outreach to residents in need and encouraged community members to call 311 to connect with workers to help those in need.

Bowser urges calm

When asked whether President Trump’s federal surge in D.C. was politically motivated, Bowser said the focus should remain on the current situation and that the president has the authority to make an emergency declaration regardless of crime data. "It doesn't really matter what the numbers say, he can make an emergency declaration. Now what we want to do is make sure that this federal surge is useful to us."

"So let's keep working together. Let's stay safe. Let's be smart," Bowser said. "I know people have democracy concerns, and they want to express themselves, and this is still America. This is still our nation's capital and I just encourage everybody to be peaceful, follow the law, and go about your daily lives."

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READ MORE: National Guard troops arrive in DC amid Trump's crime crackdown