Washington DC police chief Pamela Smith to step down, mayor announces US politics live
Guardian19 hrs
Washington DC Police Chief Pamela Smith Resigns
Did Smith leave after successfully restoring safety, or did federal overreach make her position untenable?
Above: Pamela Smith (C) during a news conference at the Department of Justice on Dec. 4, 2025. Image credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Smith's resignation caps a successful tenure that drove violent crime and homicides to eight-year lows through strategic initiatives like the Real-Time Crime Center and targeted enforcement zones. Her leadership navigated unprecedented challenges while restoring safety and accountability across neighborhoods. The department is well-positioned to continue this positive trajectory.
Right narrative
Pamela Smith's resignation comes after a scandal-plagued tenure overshadowed by DEI fanfare rather than results. Her viral inability to define "chain of command" in a live interview laid bare the consequences of elevating symbolism over substance. In policing, where lives hang in the balance, performative diversity has proven a dangerous luxury the city can no longer afford.
Narrative C
Smith's departure exposes how federal overreach has stripped D.C. of local control over its own streets. Deploying the National Guard without consulting local leadership crossed a line, making the position untenable. This resignation signals a breaking point in the capital's decades-long fight for autonomy.