'Why not file a lawsuit?' DC attorney general gets pushback on CNN amid Trump takeover

A CNN host on Tuesday pushed back against claims made by the attorney general of Washington, D.C., about President Donald Trump's takeover of local law enforcement.

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb joined CNN's "The Arena with Kasie Hunt" to discuss Trump's latest moves related to the District. The two sparred after Schwalb appeared to punt on Hunt's question about whether he would sue the Trump administration to reinstate D.C.'s Home Rule Act and end the federal oversight of local law enforcement.

Hunt also pushed back on multiple criminal justice policies Schwalb and other lawmakers have instituted in the District, and asked Schwalb whether they were effective at reducing crime.

"Are you going to sue?" Hunt asked pointedly.

"My focus right now is on the facts on the ground, understanding exactly what is happening and ensuring that command and control of [the Metropolitan Police District] remains with the chief of police and the mayor," Schwalb replied.

"Why not file a lawsuit against the president now?" Hunt said.

"My focus is on practical results and resolving problems, and oftentimes if you can resolve things without being in court, it's for the best interest of everyone involved," the attorney general said.

Schwalb's comments come at a time when city leadership appears split over Trump's attempts to federalize local law enforcement. On Monday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser described Trump's actions as "unprecedented" and "unsettling" but stopped short of saying she would fight back against the administration to prevent it from taking over law enforcement.

Watch the entire clip below or by clicking here.