By Jan Wolfe

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to put Washington, D.C., under full federal control to reduce crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling.

While Trump does have some authority over the capital city’s police force and National Guard soldiers, a full federal takeover would likely be blocked in court. Here is why.

WHAT DOES THE CONSTITUTION SAY ABOUT CONTROL OF DC?

The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1787, provided for the creation of a federal capital district to serve as the permanent seat of the government.

The Constitution made clear that Congress has complete legislative authority over the district. But Congress has historically delegated at least some of the day-to-day work of municipal government to other entities.

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