Three Republican-led states are sending hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. This move supports the Trump administration’s federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in the city. West Virginia pledged 300 to 400 guardsmen. South Carolina promised 200, while Ohio will send 150 more in the coming days. Together, these deployments mark a clear escalation of federal involvement in the city.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted across Washington. Residents and activists push back against federal agents and National Guard troops patrolling the heavily Democratic city. The situation escalated after President Trump issued an executive order. He federalized local police and activated roughly 800 members of the D.C. National Guard.
By adding troops from other states, Trump increases federal control over the city. He justifies this as an emergency response to crime and homelessness. However, local officials highlight that violent crime rates have dropped since Trump’s first term. National Guard members so far perform limited tasks. They patrol landmarks like the National Mall and Union Station. They also assist with crowd control and law enforcement.
Federal agents have appeared in several busy neighborhoods. This presence sparks mixed reactions. Some praise the crackdown, while others express concern or alarm. City leaders cooperate with the federal government due to legal obligations. Still, they criticize the broad scope of Trump’s takeover.
On Friday, the administration withdrew an order to appoint the Drug Enforcement Administration chief as “emergency police commissioner.” The district’s top lawyer sued over this directive. After a court hearing, Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed the Metropolitan Police Department to support federal immigration enforcement regardless of city laws. City officials continue to evaluate how to comply best.
In his emergency order on Monday, Trump accused city leaders of failing to maintain public order. He said this failure blocks the federal government’s ability to act. Trump argued that without federal control, government workers face rampant violence.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser responded in a letter to residents. She wrote, “Our limited self-government faces its toughest test ever.” Bowser urged unity, adding, “If we stand together, we will show the nation how to fight for democracy — even without full control.” As this federal crackdown on crime intensifies, Washington stands at a crossroads between federal authority and local governance.
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