Trump Issues Warning Over DC Mayoral Race With Lewis George

WHO:

WTOP - President Trump warned about the potential impact of Janeese Lewis George winning the D.C. mayoral race.

WTOP - Janeese Lewis George is a Democratic Socialist and a D.C. Council member representing Ward 4.

WTOP - Kenyan McDuffie is a former Council member and a leading contender in the mayoral race.

WHAT:

WTOP - Trump suggested that if Lewis George wins, the federal government might "take back" control of D.C.

WTOP - Trump stated, “I wouldn’t like it” if Lewis George wins the election.

WTOP - Trump claimed that D.C. has improved under his administration, stating, “By the way, Washington, now, is a safe, beautiful place.”

WTOP - Lewis George criticized Trump’s comments, stating that threatening Home Rule is an attack on democracy.

WTOP - Lewis George's campaign focuses on housing affordability, tenant protections, and expanding public services.

WTOP - McDuffie stated that it is up to D.C. residents to decide the next mayor, not the president.

WHERE:

WTOP - The events are centered in Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

WTOP - Election Day is June 16.

WTOP - The final day of early voting is Sunday.

WHY:

WTOP - Trump believes that a win for Lewis George could reverse the improvements made in D.C. under his administration.

WTOP - Lewis George's statement reflects her stance on protecting residents' rights and Home Rule against federal overreach.

HOW:

WTOP - Trump did not provide a specific plan for how the federal government would assume more control over D.C.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 14:03 UTC)

President Trump has raised concerns about the potential impact of Janeese Lewis George winning the upcoming D.C. mayoral race, suggesting that it could lead to the federal government "taking back" control of the district. Lewis George, a Democratic Socialist and current D.C. Council member, criticized Trump's comments as an attack on democracy, emphasizing her campaign's focus on housing affordability and tenant protections. Meanwhile, leading contender Kenyan McDuffie stated that the decision on the next mayor should rest with D.C. residents, not the president, as Election Day approaches on June 16.