Trump Should Counter Virginia's Democratic Gerrymander by Reclaiming Arlington for DC
Source: "Virginia Democrats push gerrymander scheme, Trump should eye retrocession | Fox News." April 21, 2026. www.foxnews.com
The Gist
The author argues that since Virginia Democrats are gerrymandering to eliminate Republican districts, Trump should fight back by reclaiming Arlington and Alexandria for Washington DC. He claims this would be legal because these areas were only given to Virginia in 1847 to protect slavery, making that transfer unconstitutional.
Conclusion
President Trump should issue an executive order declaring the 1847 retrocession of Arlington and Alexandria from DC to Virginia unconstitutional, effectively returning these areas to federal control
Premises
- Virginia Democrats are implementing an extreme gerrymander that would eliminate all but one GOP-leaning congressional district in a purple state
- The proposed redistricting disenfranchises nearly half of Virginia's voters (46.6% who voted for Trump in 2024)
- The 1847 retrocession of Virginia land from DC was motivated by protecting slavery, making it constitutionally suspect
- Arlington and Alexandria are among the deepest blue areas with many federal employees who would be 'at home' in DC
- This action would neutralize the Democratic gerrymander and protect red Virginians from having their votes 'canceled out'
- The executive order would be on better legal footing than many of Biden's controversial orders
- Extraordinary Democratic gerrymandering justifies extraordinary countermeasures that are 'legal and ethical'
Assumptions
- The 1847 retrocession can be legally challenged and reversed by executive order
- Courts would rule in favor of Trump's constitutional interpretation
- Removing Arlington/Alexandria would significantly impact Virginia's congressional makeup
- Federal employees in these areas would support or accept DC governance
- This action would be viewed as legitimate retaliation rather than authoritarian overreach