Jan 11, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Trump approves emergency declaration for D.C. ahead of Biden inauguration

Rebecca Falconer

President Donald J. Trump speaks during the Victory Rally by the Republican National Committee in Dalton, Georgia, United States on January 04 — Photo: Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

President Trump on Monday approved an emergency declaration for Washington, D.C., ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inaurgation, effective Monday through Jan. 24.

Driving the news: Outgoing Capitol Police chief Steven Sund and others have warned D.C. could see a repeat of the violence seen at last week's deadly siege at Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration.

The big picture: Trump's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate all disaster relief efforts.

Officials in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have asked for Americans to stay home during the inauguration, due to both threats of violence and the coronavirus pandemic.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.

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Trump approves emergency declaration for D.C. ahead of Biden inauguration

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