Trump this week invoked the Home Rule Act, effectively handing the executive branch control over Washington’s police for up to 30 days. Beyond that, Trump would have to go through Congress for an extension authorization.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would ask the Republican-controlled Congress to extend federal control of Washington's city police force beyond 30 days, escalating his campaign to exert presidential power over the nation's capital.

As the president signals a willingness to circumvent Congress, the question is what Republicans would do. The answer is, “Not much.”

"Why are you here? You are trying to arrest innocent people? What’s your purpose?" one the protesters shouted at federal agents.