D.C.’s Police Leadership: Diversity Over Competence Debate

Washington, D.C. is supposed to be the crown jewel of our nation. It’s our capital—our “city upon a hill.” But today, it’s more like a cautionary tale. Crime is out of control, the police are failing, and the people in charge don’t seem to have a clue what they’re doing. And why? Because the people running things weren’t picked based on skill, toughness, or leadership—they were picked to check off boxes on a diversity chart. That’s not how you build a safe and strong city. That’s how you destroy one.

Let’s talk about Pamela Smith, the current police chief of D.C. She was a “DEI hire” from the start. DEI stands for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion”—a fancy way of saying people are hired based on race, gender, or identity, not ability. Smith started out as the “equity officer” in the department. Not a cop on the beat. Not a detective solving cases. She was a bureaucrat pushing woke ideology. Then, somehow, she became the top cop in one of America’s most dangerous cities.

And it shows.

At a press conference recently, a reporter asked her a basic question: Who’s in charge of the police department now that the federal government has taken some control? Smith didn’t seem to understand. She fumbled through a confused response, acting like she’d never heard the words “chain of command” before. That’s like a teacher not knowing what a chalkboard is. Or a pilot asking what a cockpit does.

Eventually, the mayor had to jump in and save her. Why? Because even the mayor could tell that the chief was out of her depth. That’s not just embarrassing—it’s dangerous. People are being shot, robbed, and carjacked every day in D.C. Members of Congress have been attacked. Even Supreme Court justices have had close calls. And the woman leading the police force can’t answer simple questions about who’s running the show?

It gets worse. When asked how she plans to fight the wave of murders in the city, her answer was vague: “We’re going to come up with a plan.” That’s it. No details. No urgency. No leadership. Just empty words. And the local media? They didn’t ask any hard questions. They were too busy praising her background and how “inspiring” her story is.

Let’s be clear: being nice, being a woman, or having a tough childhood doesn’t make someone qualified to lead a major police department. What matters is strength, clarity, and a track record of success. Instead of hiring the best person for the job, D.C. hired the most “diverse” person for the job. And now the city is paying the price.

This isn’t just about one woman. It’s about a broken system. Across America, we’ve seen the same pattern. Cities are putting DEI hires in charge of police and fire departments—jobs that require real-world skill and grit. And time after time, these leaders fall flat when crisis hits. Whether it’s a terrorist attack in New Orleans, a riot in Cincinnati, or wildfires in Los Angeles, the people in charge are failing. Why? Because they were picked for politics, not competence.

This is why President Trump’s decision to step in and take control of D.C.’s police for 30 days is so important. It shines a light on the mess that woke politics has made. It gives the American people a chance to see what happens when you replace merit with ideology. And it gives hope that, with real leadership, we can turn this country around.

Our Constitution was built on the idea that government should serve the people—not play identity games. We need leaders who are tough, smart, and ready to do the hard work. That means going back to real standards, real accountability, and real results. No more lowering the bar just to look good on paper. Our safety, our cities, and our future depend on it.