National Guard Reinforcement: Republican States Answer Trump's Call in DC

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:15:34 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Three GOP-led states are dispatching National Guard soldiers to bolster security in Washington, DC amidst claims of public safety emergencies.

In response to President Trump's assertions of lawlessness in Washington, DC, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio are sending National Guard forces to the city, where residents protest the administration's narratives about crime and safety.

Three Republican-led states have announced they will dispatch members of their National Guard to Washington, DC, in a direct response to President Donald Trump's call for increased security amid claims of rising lawlessness in the nation’s capital. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey stated he would send approximately 300 to 400 troops, while South Carolina and Ohio plan to send 200 and 150 military police, respectively.

On Monday, Trump declared a "public safety emergency," characterizing Washington as experiencing "complete and total lawlessness." However, local officials and residents have voiced their objections to these claims. Hundreds of people marched in protest over the weekend, expressing their dissatisfaction with Trump's narrative surrounding crime in the city.

Currently, federal law enforcement agencies have been patrolling alongside the National Guard troops in areas frequented by tourists and residents. Despite Trump's portrayal of rampant gang violence, many in the city, which overwhelmingly supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, argue against the necessity of increased military presence, with some filming officers during patrols.

In Dupont Circle, a notable hub in Washington, protesters rallied, chanting slogans like "Free DC!" and participating in peaceful demonstrations to showcase their frustration. While residents have expressed concerns about safety, recent data from the Metropolitan Police Department indicates a significant decline in violent crime rates, with homicides dropping by 32% from 2023 to 2024.

Earlier, the Trump administration attempted to gain control of the DC Metropolitan Police Department via the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This effort was thwarted when city officials contested the directive in court. Although a judge stated Mayor Muriel Bowser must adhere to White House directives, Bowser maintains that crime has decreased in the city, rejecting Trump's claims regarding an overall crime crisis.

As the National Guard troops prepare to arrive in the capital, the dialogue around law enforcement and public safety continues to develop amid contrasting viewpoints from local leadership and state powers.