D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith faces social media mockery after appearing confused by reporter's question about chain of command following Trump's federalization of department.

The Washington, DC police chief's apparent bewilderment over a very simple question from a reporter could have a simple explanation.

Washington, DC, Police Chief Pamela Smith signed an executive order Thursday allowing DC police officers to share information about people not in their custody with federal immigration enforcement agencies such as ICE — as President Donald Trump continues his federal takeover of law enforcement in the nation’s capital and crackdown on illegal immigration.

DC Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith issued an order giving cops the authority to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about potential illegal immigrants not in MPD custody.

An executive order issued Aug. 14 reverses a long-standing policy prohibiting local officers from assisting ICE agents.

The position will give Cole the same authority as Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, who reports directly to Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.