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Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., met with President-elect Donald Trump on Monday to discuss his upcoming inauguration and their potential collaboration during his second term in office.
Following their meeting, Bowser released a statement highlighting several key areas where city and federal authorities could work together, including infrastructure improvements, the utilization of federal properties, enhancement of parks and green spaces, and matters concerning the federal workforce.
Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser met with President Donald Trump.
Following the meeting, the Mayor shared the following statement: pic.twitter.com/XGRyQaDJW5
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 31, 2024
“President Trump and I both want Washington, D.C., to be the best, most beautiful city in the world and we want the capital city to reflect the strength of our nation,” the statement read in part, according to NBC 4.
Despite Bowser’s expressed hope for cooperation, the relationship between the two leaders has been marked by tension. Throughout his campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized the capital city’s management, describing it as crime-ridden and poorly administered. He even suggested implementing federal control over the district, a possibility enabled by D.C.’s unique status as a federal district.
In response to these threats, Bowser has indicated her willingness to pursue legal action if Trump attempts to seize control of district agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Department.
While the exact location of Monday’s meeting remains uncertain, reports from NBC 4 suggest it may have taken place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, as Bowser was traveling at the time. The meeting marks their first encounter since Trump’s election victory, following Bowser’s November initiative to establish communication with his team.
NEW – Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says that she had a 'great' meeting with President Trump; “I am optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with the President during his second term, and we look forward to supporting a successful inauguration on January 20,” pic.twitter.com/qveQXlgYSc
— Overton (@overton_news) December 31, 2024
Other district leaders are also seeking to build constructive relationships with the incoming Trump administration. Phil Mendelson, the District of Columbia Council Chair, recently shared his perspective with the Washington Examiner.
“As we all know, there’s a difference between campaign rhetoric and reality, right?” Mendelson said. “Where I hope we, all of us, will be focusing is on issues that we’re all concerned about, such as public safety and affordable housing and quality education.”
