The attorney general’s comments came as she issued a new directive voiding commands issued – as recently as earlier Thursday –  by DC Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith.

"Commissioner Cole shall assume all of the powers and duties vested in the District of Columbia Chief of Police," Pam Bondi said on Aug. 14.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an order rescinding sanctuary city policies in Washington, D.C. and naming an "emergency police commissioner."

Washington, D.C., officials are taking the Trump administration to court over what they call an unlawful federal seizure of the city’s police force, a move that’s now escalated into a showdown over immigration enforcement and the city’s limited right to self-government.

Attorney General Pam Bondi tapped the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) chief Thursday to serve as Washington’s “emergency police commissioner,” a move to wrest power from the District’s current police chief amid the Trump administration’s law enforcement takeover.

The federal government takes control of Washington DC police operations as DEA Administrator Terry Cole seeks to enforce immigration compliance and reduce crime.

MPD head Pamela Smith warns that the Trump administration’s order would lead to operational chaos and put the lives of District residents at grave risk.

President Donald Trump announced earlier this week the decision to federalize Washington, D.C., as he cited crime and violence.

The meeting came after Trump on Monday announced plans to use a 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act provision to send National Guard troops to D.C. and temporarily federalize the city.