On August 18, 2025, the streets of Washington, DC, were marked by the steady footsteps of hundreds of National Guard troops, a visible sign of a new federal crackdown on crime in the nation’s capital. Three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—answered President Donald Trump’s call to reinforce the city’s security presence, sending in a combined force of 650 to 750 National Guard members to bolster the roughly 800 troops already stationed there by presidential order.
According to BBC reporting, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that his state would contribute between 300 and 400 National Guard troops, responding directly to President Trump’s request. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster committed 200 troops, and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine authorized the deployment of 150 military police from his state’s National Guard. This coordinated effort, which began ramping up on August 17 and 18, is part of what the Trump administration has described as a “public safety emergency.”
President Trump, in a statement on August 11, declared, “The nation’s capital is gripped by complete and total lawlessness.” He pointed to recent incidents, including the attack and beating of a former employee from his own Department of Government Efficiency (often referred to as Doge), as evidence of what he called a city beset by “violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals.”
Yet, the president’s claims have not gone unchallenged. Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser pushed back forcefully, stating that Trump’s depiction of the city is exaggerated and misleading. “There was a spike in crime in 2023,” Bowser acknowledged, “but that has since dropped off.” She cited Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) data showing that homicides fell by 32% between 2023 and 2024, reaching their lowest level since 2019. The positive trend has continued into 2025, with preliminary figures indicating violent crime is down 26% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024, and robbery down 28%, according to MPD data verified by BBC.
Despite the statistical improvements, the sight of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents patrolling Washington’s most populous and tourist-frequented areas has unsettled many residents. The city, where 92% of voters cast their ballots for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, has become a flashpoint for debates over federal authority, local control, and the narrative surrounding public safety.
Over the weekend, these tensions spilled into the open. On Saturday, August 16, hundreds of DC residents took to the streets in peaceful protest. Marchers gathered at Dupont Circle, a vibrant hub in the heart of the city, before winding their way through surrounding neighborhoods. They chanted “Free DC!”—a rallying cry that echoed both the city’s long-standing quest for greater autonomy and their frustration with the Trump administration’s enforcement policies. The demonstrations were marked by the rhythmic banging of drums and the ringing of bells, a vivid display of local solidarity and resistance.
Many Washingtonians have also turned to their phones, recording the movements of federal officers as they patrol the streets. These videos have circulated widely on social media, fueling further debate about the necessity and appropriateness of the federal response. Some residents see the increased security presence as an overreach, while others, still concerned about safety, wonder if it might deter future violence.
The deployment itself is only the latest chapter in a long-running tug-of-war between city officials and the federal government. Earlier in the week, the Trump administration invoked the District of Columbia Home Rule Act in an attempt to take command of the city’s Metropolitan Police Department. The move was met with swift resistance from local officials, who challenged the order in court. Although the administration ultimately rescinded its directive, the legal battle was not without consequence. Judge Ana Reyes ruled that Mayor Bowser was required to follow White House directives in matters of federal emergency, a decision that has left city leaders wary of future interventions.
Meanwhile, the arrival of National Guard troops from out-of-state has brought mixed reactions from the public. Some see the move as a necessary step to ensure order, especially after the high-profile attack on the former Doge employee. Others, however, view it as a political maneuver designed to paint the city in an unflattering light ahead of the next election cycle. The fact that the reinforcements come exclusively from Republican-led states has only heightened suspicions among DC’s overwhelmingly Democratic population.
“We want to keep our city safe, but we also want our voices heard,” said one protester during Saturday’s march, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the capital. The protest, notably peaceful, underscored the city’s desire to address safety concerns without sacrificing its autonomy or dignity.
For their part, the governors of West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio have framed their actions as acts of patriotism and public service. Governor Morrisey emphasized, “We are answering the president’s call to support our nation’s capital in a time of need.” South Carolina and Ohio officials echoed this sentiment, stating that their troops would work alongside federal law enforcement and local police to “restore order and protect citizens.”
Still, the data tells a more nuanced story. While there was indeed a spike in crime in 2023, the downward trend in 2024 and 2025 suggests that the city’s efforts to curb violence may be working. BBC Verify’s analysis of MPD statistics paints a picture of a city on the mend, not one spiraling into chaos. Mayor Bowser and other local leaders have called for a more balanced approach, urging federal officials to recognize the progress made and to collaborate with, rather than override, local authorities.
The events of August 2025 have once again thrust Washington, DC, into the national spotlight, raising difficult questions about who controls the city’s streets—and whose narrative will shape public perception. As National Guard troops continue their patrols and residents continue their protests, the city stands at a crossroads, grappling with issues of crime, governance, and identity in the heart of American democracy.
For now, the capital remains under watchful eyes—federal, local, and civilian alike—each with a stake in what comes next.
