West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced plans to send 300 to 400 National Guard members to Washington D.C. as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to overhaul policing in the nation’s capital. The move comes amid a federal crackdown on crime and homelessness, with over 800 DC National Guard troops already deployed.
Trump’s executive order aims to centralize local police forces under federal control, exercising tight control over the city. However, district officials note that violent crime rates are lower now than during Trump’s first term in office.
A protest against the intervention drew large crowds at Dupont Circle on Saturday, with demonstrators holding signs opposing “fascist takeover” and military occupation of D.C. The move has sparked concerns about Trump’s exercise of executive power.
Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/08/16/west-virginia-national-guard-washington-dc-trump