GOP-Led States Deploy National Guard Troops to DC Amid Federal Law Enforcement Expansion

Published Time: 08-17-2025, 15:45

Three Republican-led states are deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump’s expanded federal effort to address crime and oversee policing in the capital. The move comes amid rising tensions between federal and local leaders, with critics warning of overreach and erosion of democratic norms.

West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio Announce Deployments

On Saturday, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed that his state would send between 300 and 400 National Guard personnel to Washington. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the mission aligns with the Trump administration’s initiative to “make D.C. safe and beautiful.” Morrisey’s office said the troops would provide “mission-essential” equipment, training, and support.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also announced the deployment of 200 troops. He emphasized that the federal government would fully fund the operation, while adding that South Carolina’s Guard units could be recalled if a natural disaster threatened the state.

In Ohio, Gov. Mike DeWine said he had been asked by the U.S. Secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard. According to DeWine, the troops are expected to arrive in Washington in the coming days and will conduct “presence patrols” as additional security support.

White House: Troops to “Protect Federal Assets”

A White House official said the Guard deployments are intended to safeguard federal buildings, assist law enforcement officers, and create a visible presence to deter criminal activity.

“West Virginia’s National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials, and provide a visible deterrent to crime,” the official said in a statement.

Officials noted that while the troops are not currently tasked with making arrests, they may be armed if necessary. CNN previously reported that weapons could be stored nearby and accessed for self-defense if required.

Local Pushback and Criticism

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has strongly opposed the increased federal role in city policing. On Saturday night, she posted on her personal X account: “American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.”

Councilmember Robert White also criticized the move, telling CNN that President Trump’s decision to bring in out-of-state troops “breaches democratic norms.” He added that the expansion could serve as a model for similar interventions in other U.S. cities.

Protests erupted near the White House following the announcement, with demonstrators confronting Guard members stationed nearby. While no violence was reported, tensions flared as protesters chanted slogans such as “Trump must go now” and shouted at security personnel.

Army veteran Alan Dent, a Maryland resident, told CNN the deployment amounted to a “power grab” and said the city remained safe without federal intervention. “You should not deploy the National Guard on this soil for the purpose of intimidating a populace,” he argued.

Federal Law Enforcement Surge

The latest deployments build on earlier federal actions in Washington. Last week, the Trump administration announced the mobilization of more than 800 D.C. National Guard troops, along with a surge of federal agents from multiple agencies.

An internal Secret Service memo reviewed by CNN indicated that more than 700 federal law enforcement officers are now patrolling the city, with numbers expected to rise as National Guard units join the initiative.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran confirmed that federal personnel are operating daily in the capital, noting that additional resources will continue to be assigned to the “safe streets initiative.”

Crackdown on Homeless Encampments

Trump’s initiative also targets Washington’s homeless population. According to the White House, 25 encampments were cleared on Friday as part of a broader campaign to “beautify the city.” Officials said homeless individuals would be directed to shelters, but warned that those refusing to leave could face arrest.

Homeless advocacy groups criticized the approach, arguing it disrupts existing efforts to transition people into permanent housing. Advocates called the policy costly, counterproductive, and potentially unlawful.

Legal Challenges and Political Fallout

The deployments coincide with ongoing legal battles over the federal takeover of Washington’s police force. On Friday, the city of Washington filed suit against the Trump administration after Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the appointment of an “emergency police commissioner.” The order temporarily gave acting Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole control of the Metropolitan Police Department.

Following a federal court hearing, Bondi issued a revised directive returning authority to Police Chief Pamela Smith. Still, Mayor Bowser described Trump’s approach as an “authoritarian push” and vowed to monitor how the federal surge impacts local communities.

A Deepening Conflict Over Control

The National Guard deployments highlight the growing standoff between the White House and D.C. officials over crime policy, law enforcement, and federal authority in the capital.

For Trump, the measures are framed as necessary to restore safety and order. For local leaders and many residents, the presence of armed troops and federal agents raises concerns about constitutional boundaries, civil liberties, and the balance of power between state and federal governments.

As the situation develops, questions remain over how long the additional troops will remain in the city and whether the model will be extended to other urban areas facing similar federal scrutiny.