Because the federal government already owns the land, Trump could get involved if he chooses.

While the land under the stadium is federally owned, D.C. retains administrative control over it after signing a 99-year lease in January. Trump, however, could come up with a new agreement that cuts out the city entirely, Axios reported.

The redevelopment deal is not currently subject to federal funding for construction, as specified in bipartisan legislation led by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY). Comer has urged the D.C. Council to approve the deal as quickly as possible.

Trump could also take a more indirect approach by overseeing design changes to the stadium.

The Commission on Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, whose members are appointed by the president, oversee the stadium plans. Trump said he’s seen the “plans” and “stadium” already, suggesting that his future appointments of new members to both commissions would be the more likely intervention method.

Trump’s potential plans to get involved in the RFK Stadium deal would take him back to his real estate roots in New York City, where he started his business empire in the 1970s.

The D.C. Council will not meet its Tuesday deadline to approve the Commanders’ stadium deal, according to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson. He has been hesitant about approving the deal hastily, citing the need to complete multiple studies and hold public hearings.

The vote will likely happen in the fall after the District completes three key studies: an economic analysis from the council’s budget office, findings from the city’s chief financial officer on proposed tax breaks, and an independent sports study.

Councilmembers leave for summer recess on July 15 and won’t return until Sept. 15.

Mendelson’s decision has ruffled feathers with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who wanted to get the $1.1 billion deal and the city’s budget approved by July 15.

The Democratic mayor is highly concerned that the Commanders’ stadium plan may collapse if the D.C. Council doesn’t act swiftly to greenlight the $3.7 billion project. The football team is contributing $2.7 billion to the project, while the city will cover the remaining $1 billion.

Bowser and the team would like to avoid the volatility that Trump would bring if he were to enter the picture, according to Axios.

The mayor has not directly answered whether Trump should intervene, but she did raise concerns about “all forms of political risk” when asked about the president’s interest in the project.

It’s possible Trump may be threatening to get involved to push the council to approve the deal before actually flexing his muscles. It’s unlikely Mendelson will reverse course, though.

Trump’s recent comments about lending a hand in the RFK Stadium deal add to his talks of taking over Washington, D.C., which operates independently under home rule.

TRUMP AGAIN THREATENS DC’S HOME RULE: WHAT TO KNOW

Enacted in 1973, the city’s home rule allows a mayor and locally elected D.C. Council to preside over the District. Congress previously held exclusive jurisdiction over the nation’s capital. Some Republican lawmakers support repealing home rule and retaking control of the city.

Legislation achieving that end has not gained significant momentum in the few months since Republicans have controlled Congress.