In a move that has sparked significant local opposition, governors from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio announced the deployment of National Guard units to bolster the presence in Washington, D.C. at the request of President Trump, who declared a "public safety emergency" citing rampant crime.
**Republican States Deploy National Guard to Washington Amid Controversy**
**Republican States Deploy National Guard to Washington Amid Controversy**
Three Republican-led states are sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., amidst President Trump's claims of lawlessness in the capital.
Three Republican-led states will bolster Trump's troop presence in D.C. amid local protests challenging the narrative of lawlessness that Trump has promoted despite improving crime statistics.
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, West Virginia's Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that between 300 to 400 National Guard troops will be sent to the capital, with South Carolina and Ohio also committing 200 and 150 troops, respectively, at Trump's behest. This deployment comes after Trump claimed that D.C. was experiencing "complete and total lawlessness."
The assertion has not only faced pushback from officials in Washington, D.C.—who characterize the depiction of the city as misleading—but has also incited public protests. Hundreds of residents gathered in Dupont Circle over the weekend, chanting "Free DC!" and voicing their discontent with the administration's enforcement policies. Attendees expressed concern over heightened federal presence in their neighborhoods, which many view as an infringement upon local governance.
Amid these rising tensions, Trump's narrative regarding crime contradicts recent data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which indicates that homicides in D.C. have decreased significantly—by 32% between 2023 and 2024, marking the lowest levels since 2019. Moreover, overall violent crime reports show a 26% decrease so far in 2025 compared to the previous year, challenging claims of widespread criminality.
Despite the contrasting narratives, local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, continue to advocate for local autonomy in law enforcement matters, rejecting Trump's claims as exaggerated. Previous attempts by the Trump administration to seize command of the Metropolitan Police faced legal challenges and were ultimately withdrawn.
The situation remains fluid as both residents and leaders grapple with the implications of increased military presence in a city that largely opposes the current administration's stance.
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, West Virginia's Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that between 300 to 400 National Guard troops will be sent to the capital, with South Carolina and Ohio also committing 200 and 150 troops, respectively, at Trump's behest. This deployment comes after Trump claimed that D.C. was experiencing "complete and total lawlessness."
The assertion has not only faced pushback from officials in Washington, D.C.—who characterize the depiction of the city as misleading—but has also incited public protests. Hundreds of residents gathered in Dupont Circle over the weekend, chanting "Free DC!" and voicing their discontent with the administration's enforcement policies. Attendees expressed concern over heightened federal presence in their neighborhoods, which many view as an infringement upon local governance.
Amid these rising tensions, Trump's narrative regarding crime contradicts recent data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which indicates that homicides in D.C. have decreased significantly—by 32% between 2023 and 2024, marking the lowest levels since 2019. Moreover, overall violent crime reports show a 26% decrease so far in 2025 compared to the previous year, challenging claims of widespread criminality.
Despite the contrasting narratives, local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, continue to advocate for local autonomy in law enforcement matters, rejecting Trump's claims as exaggerated. Previous attempts by the Trump administration to seize command of the Metropolitan Police faced legal challenges and were ultimately withdrawn.
The situation remains fluid as both residents and leaders grapple with the implications of increased military presence in a city that largely opposes the current administration's stance.
