Three Republican States send National Guard troops to Washington DC
3 Min Read
Three Republican governors deploy National Guard troops to Washington D.C. following Trump's emergency order, despite violent crime hitting a 30-year low.
-
US President Donald Trump aboard Marine One arrives on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)
Three Republican governors have announced deployments of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, expanding the federal presence in the capital following US President Donald Trump’s order. Trump invoked emergency powers under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, temporarily assuming authority over the Metropolitan Police Department, citing what he described as a “crime and homelessness emergency.”
Justice Department statistics, however, show violent crime in DC reached a 30-year low in 2024, with robbery incidents down 28% compared to the previous year. Critics argue that Trump’s justification is not supported by crime data but rather reflects political motives.
In West Virginia, Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the deployment of 300-400 National Guard troops, along with equipment and specialized training, describing the move as a show of “public safety and regional cooperation.”
At the request of the Trump administration, I have directed the @WVNationalGuard to support the President’s initiative to make D.C. safe and beautiful. We are deploying 300-400 skilled personnel to the nation’s capital, reflecting our commitment to a strong and secure America.
— Governor Patrick Morrisey (@wvgovernor) August 16, 2025
In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster said 200 troops would be sent in response to a Pentagon request, noting they would return immediately if required for emergencies such as hurricanes back home.
In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine confirmed that 150 military police would be dispatched, clarifying that none are currently serving in state law enforcement.
DC officials push back
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the deployment, posting on X, “American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.” She later described the move as “unsettling and unprecedented.”
American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) August 17, 2025
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb successfully blocked an attempt by the Trump administration to install a Drug Enforcement Administration chief as emergency police commissioner, preserving Bowser’s appointed Police Chief Pamela Smith.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on X that “the crime scene in DC most damaging to everyday Americans is at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the action a “political maneuver” meant to distract from other scandals.
American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) August 17, 2025
Representative Glenn Ivey of Maryland told CNN the deployment was “shocking stuff, even for Trump,” questioning why the Guard was not mobilized during the January 6 riots but is being sent now.
Northwestern Law Professor Paul Gowder argued in a university statement that the purpose of state-controlled militias is to “check against federal abuse of power.”
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, told NBC News the move was “a blatant display” of racially divisive politics, pointing to Trump’s focus on majority-Black cities.
Public protests
Over the weekend, hundreds of DC residents marched from Dupont Circle to the White House, carrying signs such as “No fascist takeover of DC” and “No military occupation.” Demonstration organizers told Democracy Docket they aimed to pressure the administration to reverse its actions.
Happening Now: Protest against Trump military takeover at Dupont Circle in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/tZNWzc8S93
— BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) August 16, 2025
Meanwhile, MoveOn reported that more than 29,000 DC residents signed a petition urging Congress to block what they described as a “militarized takeover” of the city.
Trump has suggested he could expand similar deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, Oakland, and Baltimore. In June, he deployed 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles during immigration protests, despite opposition from California’s governor.
Federal judges are now reviewing whether that action was lawful. Civil rights leaders warn that Trump's actions in Washington, DC could serve as a “test case.”
