Trump Teases Federal Takeover of D.C. if Socialist Candidate Wins

President Donald Trump is raising the possibility of greater federal control over Washington, D.C., if democratic socialist candidate Janeese Lewis George wins next week’s Democratic mayoral primary.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office event on Thursday, Trump said he would strongly oppose a George victory and suggested the federal government could step in if he believed the city was moving in the wrong direction.

“I wouldn’t like it, and maybe we take back Washington and run it on a federal basis,” Trump said.

“We won’t put up with it. We’re not going to lose our businesses,” the president added.

Trump did not mention George by name, but his comments appeared directed at the D.C. councilmember, who has emerged as the leading candidate in the race to succeed outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser.