WASHINGTON — Real America’s Voice Chief White House Correspondent Brian Glenn, a prominent figure in conservative media earned applause from colleagues in the James Brady Press Room Monday after checking on a delayed press conference where President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. The briefing, addressing rising crime in the nation’s capital, began several minutes past its scheduled 10 a.m. start, prompting Glenn to take action.
The White House press corps, notified Sunday night of the 10 a.m. briefing, gathered early in the West Wing’s Press Room. Reporters typically take assigned seats, with camera crews along the walls, following a “two-minute warning” over the PA system. Monday’s absence of such a warning caused confusion as the start time passed.
Glenn, with over 20 years of broadcast experience and a former chairman of the Capitol Hill Radio/TV Correspondents’ Association, stepped out to the “lower press” area, where press assistants’ offices are located, to inquire about the delay, earning cheers from a restless press corps. “They made no official announcement. So I don’t know what you heard, but we are still on standby,” Glenn said, adding with a smile, “Oh, and by the way, you’re going to love my second question for the President today.” Moments later, Trump appeared, launching the briefing.
Known for “Trump speed”—where tasks that once took weeks are now done in minutes—the delay was notable. “Wow, I’ve been up here a lot. I’ve never seen a crowd like this,” Trump said at the podium, which bore the Presidential Seal instead of the usual White House placard.
Glenn’s bold style has made him a MAGA media star. Before joining Real America’s Voice, he served as program director for the Right Side Broadcasting Network, a company known for its pro-Trump coverage.
Joined by Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense; Pam Bondi, Attorney General; and Jeanine Pirro, United States attorney for the District of Columbia, Trump outlined plans to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal oversight. The department, with roughly 3,500 officers, has faced criticism over its handling of protests and crime spikes in areas like downtown Washington. The federal takeover will enhance efficiency and public safety by integrating federal resources, including increased funding for training and technology upgrades, the President said. Trump emphasized that the move would allow for quicker response times and better coordination with federal agencies like the FBI and Secret Service.
Critics, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, argue the takeover infringes on local autonomy and could lead to over-policing in minority communities. Supporters, however, praise it as a necessary step to combat what Trump described as “out-of-control crime” in the capital, citing recent statistics showing a 15% rise in violent incidents over the past year. Details include appointing a federal commissioner to oversee daily operations, with the potential for National Guard involvement in high-crime areas.
Glenn, a prominent conservative reporter, previously made headlines for questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office earlier this year. “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?” Glenn asked, a moment that stirred controversy and spread widely online.