The Trump administration is bolstering its effort to overhaul policing in Washington with hundreds of National Guard members deployed from three Republican-led states. West Virginia will send 300-400 troops, South Carolina pledged 200, and Ohio will deploy 150 in the coming days. The move marks a significant escalation of federal intervention in the city, which has been protesting against the administration’s effort to impose tighter control.
Protesters gathered in downtown Washington on Saturday, holding signs saying “No fascist takeover of D.C.” and “No military occupation.” They expressed concerns over Trump’s executive order federalizing local police forces, citing fears of overreach and imposition of his will. The protesters aim to spark enough backlash to force the administration to pull back its crime and immigration agenda.
Federal law enforcement has been patrolling the city’s most highly trafficked neighborhoods, drawing mixed reactions from local residents and leaders. City officials are working with the administration but have expressed concerns about the scope of the takeover. Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote in a letter that Washington residents must “stick together” to fight for American democracy.
The deployments come as President Trump exercises tight control over the city, citing crime and homelessness as justifications for his actions. However, city officials note that violent crime is lower than it was during Trump’s first term in office. The role of National Guard members remains unclear, with some questioning why additional troops are needed.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-washington-west-virginia-trump-crime-3aa338b80442e12559273ff5e526edc3