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Ever since he reentered office, Donald Trump has laid siege to Washington, D.C., dropping banners with his face all over federal buildings, enacting a bizarre “beautification” project, and unleashing thousands of National Guard members to effectively put the city under military occupation. Now, as D.C. residents wonder what awaits the rest of his term, the delivery company DoorDash is joining forces with Republicans in Congress to further undermine the capital’s right to govern itself.

That right to govern, otherwise known as home rule, is a precedent which has allowed Washington, D.C. to elect a mayor, council members, and neighborhood commissioners who manage the day-to-day affairs of life in the District. Since the passage of the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1972, Republicans and special interest groups have continued to challenge the District’s ability to make decisions for itself, including when it comes to taxation.

The DoorDash saga began in July, when the D.C. Council approved a new 20-cent fee for third-party deliveries. The revenue from the 20-cent tax will go directly toward addressing food deserts and improving food access across D.C.

DoorDash unsuccessfully fought the new tax with polls, petitions, and ads. The company argued that the new measure implemented “regressive taxes that hit small businesses and working families the hardest.”

After losing the fight against this new tax with the D.C. government, DoorDash quickly pivoted to a new medium: Congress. Just days after the new tax was approved by the council, Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) introduced a resolution with significant support from DoorDash that would “functionally end home rule” in Washington, D.C.

Poll: Plurality of Americans Would Support DC Statehood If Backed by Residents

While sources familiar with the law — H.R. 9720, the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act — consider it a long shot, the intention behind the resolution worries advocates for D.C. statehood.

“It would block D.C.’s elected local officials from changing local taxes and fees without the explicit approval of Congress,” said Melissa Wasser, senior policy counsel at ACLU-D.C. “Introducing this bill and then immediately moving this bill is a tyrannical and nonsensical power grab, plain and simple.”

20 Cents to Help Close the Gap

In Washington, D.C.’s least-populated ward, Ward 3, where the median household income is over $140,000, there are currently 17 full-service grocery stores. In D.C.’s most densely populated ward, Ward 7, where the median household income is under $70,000, there are just three full-service grocery stores.

The new 20-cent tax is designed to help close that gap. The funds will go to a pilot program offering free Instacart........

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