On August 16, 2025, the political and civic landscape of Washington, D.C. shifted dramatically as hundreds of National Guard troops from three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—were deployed to the nation’s capital. This bold move, prompted by the Trump administration’s call for federal assistance to combat what it described as a crisis of crime and homelessness, has sparked both fierce opposition and strong support, underscoring deep divisions over the use of military force in American cities.
The deployments were announced in quick succession on Saturday. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey committed to sending 300 to 400 National Guard troops, stating, “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital.” According to Fox News, Morrisey emphasized that the mission reflects a shared commitment to a strong and secure America, with the troops bringing not only personnel but also equipment and specialized training to Washington. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster authorized 200 guardsmen to be sent, clarifying that they could be recalled immediately if a hurricane or natural disaster struck his state—a real possibility, as Hurricane Erin, a Category 5 storm, loomed off the East Coast. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine pledged 150 military police, noting that none were currently serving as law enforcement officers in Ohio, and that their deployment would provide “presence patrols and added security” in the capital, as reported by Reuters.
These out-of-state deployments add to the approximately 800 District of Columbia National Guard members already activated by President Donald Trump’s executive order earlier in the week. Under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, Trump federalized the city’s Metropolitan Police Department for 30 days, citing an emergency caused by what he called the city government’s failure to maintain public order. The result has been a visible surge of uniformed military and federal law enforcement agents—including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Capitol Police, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives—patrolling landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station, assisting with crowd control and supporting local police operations.
This show of force has not gone unchallenged. On Saturday, protesters gathered at Dupont Circle and marched the 1.5 miles to the White House, carrying banners that read “No fascist takeover of D.C.” and signs denouncing what they saw as a military occupation of their city. Morgan Taylor, one of the protest organizers, told the Associated Press, “It’s hot, but I’m glad to be here. It’s good to see all these people out here. I can’t believe that this is happening in this country at this time.” Many in the crowd expressed fears that the intervention was less about crime and more about political control, especially given that violent crime in Washington had hit a 30-year low in 2024, according to Justice Department data cited by Reuters.
The city’s leadership has found itself in a bind. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has been vocal in her opposition to the federal intervention. In a letter to residents, she wrote, “Our limited self-government has never faced the type of test we are facing right now. 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.” On social media, Bowser was even more blunt: “American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican.” Despite her protests, federal law requires city officials to cooperate with the president’s orders, and the city continues to evaluate how best to comply.
The Trump administration has justified the deployments as necessary to protect federal assets, deter crime, and create a safe environment for law enforcement. A White House official told Reuters that more National Guard troops would be called in to “provide a visible presence to deter crime.” The administration also confirmed that D.C. National Guard members have been conducting both foot and vehicle patrols, though as of Saturday, they were not making arrests. However, a formal order authorizing National Guard troops to carry firearms was expected imminently, a move that would escalate the situation further. According to Reuters, these orders would primarily affect military police officers, who would have sidearms and weapons nearby, such as in their vehicles.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Friday that nearly 200 arrests had been made in Washington since the Trump administration federalized the city. The arrests included two homicide suspects, 17 suspected drug traffickers, 39 suspected illegal gun offenders, and two sexual predators. Bondi also issued a memo directing the Metropolitan Police Department to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, regardless of local city laws—a directive that has drawn sharp criticism from local leaders and civil rights advocates.
The deployment of National Guard troops from outside states has raised questions about the appropriate use of military force in civilian settings. The National Guard typically responds to natural disasters and rarely polices American civilians. As Reuters noted, the D.C. National Guard reports directly to the president, while other state Guards answer to their governors unless called into federal service. The Trump administration’s willingness to federalize local police forces and bring in out-of-state troops has fueled speculation that similar actions could be taken in other Democratic-controlled cities. In June, Trump ordered thousands of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests over mass immigration raids, despite opposition from California’s governor—a move now under legal scrutiny in federal court.
Supporters of the deployment argue that it is a necessary response to restore order and ensure public safety in the nation’s capital. Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, who commands the West Virginia troops, said, “We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment. The National Guard’s unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking.” According to Fox News, the missions will be federally funded, and state governors retain the right to recall their troops in the event of emergencies at home.
Yet for many Washington residents, the sight of military vehicles parked near the Washington Monument and armed troops patrolling city streets has been deeply unsettling. Jamie Dickstein, a local teacher, told the Associated Press she was “very uncomfortable and worried” for her students’ safety, citing the presence of “unmarked officers of all types” detaining people. John Finnigan, a longtime D.C. resident, called the federal intervention “ridiculous” and hoped local leaders would resist similar actions in other cities.
As the capital braces for further developments, including the potential arming of National Guard troops and the looming threat of Hurricane Erin, the nation watches closely. The standoff between federal authority and local self-government in Washington, D.C. has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the limits of presidential power, the role of the military in civilian life, and the meaning of democracy itself. For now, the city remains under a watchful, and heavily armed, federal gaze.
