The nation’s capital reached an agreement with President Donald Trump’s administration after suing over federal authorities’ takeover of the city’s police force. 

The decision came on Friday afternoon, hours after the Trump administration named DEA chief Terry Cole as the new emergency head of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Ultimately, both sides agreed to block Cole from assuming the role, while effectively returning the department to Police Chief Pamela Smith. Cole is now required to go through Mayor Murial Bowser before directing the MPD.

U.S. military members walk near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., August 14, 2025.  (REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez)

However, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote in court filings that the move threatens to “wreak operational havoc,” while arguing the president’s power is limited to mandating that the mayor utilize the police force for federal purposes. 

Schwalb and the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

Trump is the first president to utilize control over the capital’s police department since the Home Rule Act was signed in 1973, granting the city the ability to elect its own city council and mayor. The law limits a president’s control to 30 days without congressional approval, which Trump has indicated he will seek to extend. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.