DC Police chief stumped by 'chain of command' question in viral video, trolls call her 'another DEI hire'

WASHINGTON, DC: Pamela Smith, the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Police Department Chief, was stumped after she seemed not to understand a question from the media about the department's "chain of command" amid President Donald Trump's recent federalization of the department. 

The incident took place amid DC Mayor Muriel Bowser's brief press conference on Tuesday, August 12, morning after meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Pamela Smith says 'What does that mean?' to reporter's question

During the Tuesday's press conference, a reporter asked Pamela Smith, "Can you tell us what the chain of command is now?"

Smith was seemingly stunned as she responded, "What does that mean?"

The reporter continued, "Well, is it Pam Bondi speaking to the mayor? Is it you? How does this work?" as the DC mayor stepped in to explain the department's chain of command following Trump invoking section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.

Bowser explained, "Our organizational chart, how we do business, how we fund the police, none of that has changed."

She added that Bondi is working as Trump's "proxy" under the federalization order and that the pair is in close communication. 

"We have more police, and we want to make sure we use them," Bowser added.

The clip of the complete incident went viral across social media, resulting in people trolling Smith.

Interestingly, Smith has earlier served as the department's first chief equity officer leading "the department's efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion," as per her biography.

Donald Trump federalized the DC police department following a series of high-profile attacks and killings in the city in past few weeks.

This included the fatal shooting of a congressional intern in June, the fatal shooting of a pair of Israeli embassy staffers in May, and a brutal attack on a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer earlier in August.

Trump announced on Monday, "Our capital city has been overtaken by violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, and we're not going to let it happen anymore. We're not going to take it."

He added, "We're taking it back under the authority vested in me as the president of the United States. I'm officially invoking section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. You know what that is. And placing the DC Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. … In addition, I'm deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, DC And they're going to be allowed to do their job properly."

Internet slams Pamela Smith over response to 'chain of command' question

Several internet users slammed Pamela Smith as she seemed not to understand a question from the media about the department's "chain of command" amid Donald Trump's recent federalization of the department. 

A user wrote on X, "Another DEI hire!" while one added, "Absolute disgrace to those who serve our country…shes probably making +$200k a year and has no idea what shes doing…smh."

A person also stated, "The chain no longer includes her. Thankfully" whereas one mentioned, "She needs to be fired immediately and someone competent needs to take that space."

A user also wrote, "No wonder DC is a mess…" while one commented, "Another worthless DEI hire."

A person also mentioned, "I thought this was a joke! That it's real is even more funny!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online