WASHINGTON (AP) — Three Republican-led states announced Saturday that they are sending hundreds of National Guard troops to the nation’s capital. The move supports the Trump administration’s plan to crack down on crime and homelessness while taking greater control over policing in Washington.
West Virginia is sending 300 to 400 Guard members, South Carolina is sending 200, and Ohio plans to send 150 in the coming days. This marks a major increase in federal involvement.
The announcement came as protesters challenged the growing presence of federal law enforcement and Guard troops in the city. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order that federalized Washington’s local police force and activated about 800 members of the D.C. National Guard.
By adding outside troops, Trump is tightening his control of Washington. He says this is needed to deal with crime and homelessness, though city officials note that violent crime is lower now than during his first term.
National Guard members coming from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio
The governors of the three Republican states said the deployments were made after requests from the Trump administration.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey ordered 300 to 400 Guard members to Washington, saying his state “is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital.”
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster approved the deployment of 200 troops at the request of the Pentagon, but said they would return home if a hurricane or other disaster struck.
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine agreed to send 150 Guard military police to help with security patrols. His office said the request came from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
The deployments suggest the administration believes it needs more manpower, even though Trump has played down calls for Washington to hire more police officers.
Protests grow against federal crackdown
On Saturday, protesters gathered in Dupont Circle and marched to the White House, holding signs such as “No fascist takeover of D.C.” and “No military occupation.”
Organizer Morgan Taylor said the protest aimed to create enough opposition to Trump’s plan that the administration would be forced to step back.
“It’s hot, but I’m glad to be here,” she said. “I can’t believe this is happening in our country right now.”
Others also voiced concerns:
- John Finnigan, a longtime resident, said Trump’s move was “ridiculous” since crime is down.
- Jamie Dickstein, a teacher, said she felt “uncomfortable and worried” about “unmarked officers” detaining people. She joined the protest with family and friends to prevent similar takeovers in other cities.
Federal law enforcement presence sparks mixed reactions
Federal agents have been deployed in some of Washington’s busiest neighborhoods, drawing both praise and criticism.
City leaders are legally required to follow Trump’s order but have expressed frustration with how much control the president is exercising.
On Friday, the administration backed down from a plan to install the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an “emergency police commissioner” after the district’s top lawyer sued.
Later that day, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo directing Washington’s police department to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, even if local laws say otherwise.
City officials said they are still figuring out how to comply.
Trump defends order as emergency response
In his executive order, Trump declared that the city government had failed to keep public order, which he said threatened the federal government’s ability to operate safely.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, told residents in a letter that the city is facing a historic test. She urged residents to stay united, saying:
“We will show the nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy — even when we don’t have full access to it.”
