President Donald Trump stated during remarks in the Oval Office that he would oppose the election of Democratic mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis George in Washington, D.C., and suggested that the federal government might take greater control over the city if she were elected.

The comments came in response to a reporter's question about the upcoming Democratic mayoral primary and Lewis George's progressive platform, which was compared to the policies associated with New York politician Zohran Mamdani.

Trump said he 'wouldn't like it' if Lewis George won and added that his administration might 'take back Washington' and run it on a federal basis.

Lewis George, who has criticized Trump throughout her campaign and has reportedly performed well in polling, responded by accusing the president of threatening democratic self-government in the nation's capital.

She argued that Washington residents have the right to choose their own leaders and described any effort to undermine local governance because of election results as an attack on democracy.The article notes that Trump cannot unilaterally revoke Washington, D.C.'s home-rule authority.

While the president has certain powers related to federal oversight, including temporary control of the city's police department under specific circumstances and authority over the D.C.National Guard, ending the city's self-governing status would require congressional action.

The report highlights that Trump did not provide a detailed explanation for his opposition to Lewis George beyond criticism of her political orientation.

The exchange has added a national political dimension to the local mayoral race and renewed debate about the balance between federal authority and Washington, D.C.'s autonomy.