Republican-led States Deploy National Guard Troops to Washington, D.C. in Trump’s Federal Intervention
WASHINGTON — In a bold move to reshape local policing and address crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, three Republican-led states have announced the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.
West Virginia is sending 300 to 400 troops, South Carolina is committing 200 troops, and Ohio has pledged 150 military police in the coming days.
The decision to send reinforcements follows President Donald Trump’s executive order federalizing the D.C. police force and activating around 800 District of Columbia National Guard members.
By increasing the military presence in the Democratic-controlled city, Trump is tightening federal control under the guise of a public safety emergency, despite city leaders pointing out that violent crime rates are lower now than during his first term in office.
National Guard troops, who have had limited involvement so far, have been spotted patrolling prominent landmarks like Union Station and the National Mall. Their presence is now expected to significantly increase.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed pride in standing with President Trump to “restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital” by confirming the deployment of up to 400 soldiers.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster stated that the 200 troops he is sending were requested by the Pentagon and would be recalled in the event of a natural disaster.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the deployment of 150 military police to carry out presence patrols and enhance security after a formal request from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
As Trump diminishes the need for D.C. to expand its local police force, he is instead relying on federal law enforcement and military support.
Protesters gathered at Dupont Circle on Saturday before marching to the White House, condemning the president’s actions as authoritarian. Chants of “No fascist takeover of D.C.” filled the air, with demonstrators holding signs reading “No military occupation.”
“It’s hot, but I’m glad to be here,” said Morgan Taylor, one of the organizers. “I can’t believe this is happening in this country at this time.”
Longtime D.C. resident John Finnigan called the deployment “ridiculous,” accusing Trump of using crime as a pretext to seize control of local policing.
Concerns were raised about the presence of unmarked federal agents and the impact on civil liberties. “It’s very uncomfortable and worrying,” said 24-year-old teacher Jamie Dickstein, who joined the protest with friends and family.
While city officials are required to comply with the federal order under D.C.’s governance laws, they have pushed back against the extent of Trump’s actions.
On Friday, the administration withdrew a controversial plan to appoint the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as “emergency police commissioner” after the D.C. attorney general filed a lawsuit. However, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo directing D.C. police to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, overriding local sanctuary laws.
Trump’s executive order declared an emergency due to the “city government’s failure to maintain public order,” citing unrest that jeopardized federal operations and personnel in the capital.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, responded with a letter to residents urging unity. “Our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now,” she wrote. “But if we stick together, we will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy — even when we don’t have full access to it.” — Agencies
