Three US States Sending Hundreds of National Guard Troops to Washington, DC.

Three US States Sending Hundreds of National Guard Troops to Washington, DC

Washington, Aug 17, 2025 – Hundreds of National Guard troops from three states are being deployed to the U.S. capital amid rising security concerns. Officials confirmed that the deployments aim to reinforce federal security operations in Washington, DC, following recent political unrest and large-scale demonstrations.

The states contributing forces have not yet been officially named, but reports indicate that West Virginia will send up to 400 troops, while two other states are preparing similar deployments. The move highlights growing coordination between federal and state authorities to bolster security in the nation’s capital.

This comes as Washington braces for heightened political tensions, with major rallies and events expected in the coming days. The National Guard deployment is set to provide logistical and security support, including crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response.

Officials emphasized that the troops will operate in support of local law enforcement and federal agencies, ensuring public safety while maintaining order.

Trump Orders National Guard Deployment From Three States to Washington, DC Amid Policing Crackdown

Washington, Aug 17, 2025 – Three states have announced plans to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, following President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order to federalize the city’s police force as part of a sweeping crackdown on crime and homelessness.

West Virginia confirmed it will send 300 to 400 Guard members, while South Carolina pledged 200 troops and Ohio announced 150 personnel will join in the coming days. Officials said the deployment underscores “regional cooperation” and support for Trump’s effort to tighten security in the nation’s capital.

Federal Takeover Sparks Backlash

The move comes as Trump’s order temporarily put DC’s local police under federal control, activating about 800 of the city’s own Guard members. Critics, including DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Mayor Muriel Bowser, argue the decision undermines local authority. A federal judge has so far signaled that DC Police Chief Pamela Smith should remain in charge, despite the Justice Department’s attempt to replace her with DEA head Terry Cole.

Trump Pushes “Law-and-Order” Agenda

The White House said the deployment is intended to “protect federal assets, deter crime, and create a secure environment for law enforcement”. But data from DC’s police department shows violent crime has dropped to a 30-year low, declining 26% since Trump took office in January.

Last week, Trump sparked outrage after ordering DC’s homeless population to vacate public spaces, threatening forcible relocation. City officials later cleared encampments near his motorcade route, insisting they could act “more humanely” than federal forces.

National Guard Role Expands

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office called the deployment a “commitment to public safety,” confirming late Friday that troops had received marching orders. South Carolina and Ohio officials issued similar statements.

The surge of federal and state troops adds to a growing confrontation over Trump’s policing strategy in the heavily Democratic city, as protests continue outside the White House and in downtown DC.

Protests Erupt in Washington, DC Against Trump’s National Guard Deployment

Washington, Aug 17, 2025 – Hundreds of protesters gathered in Dupont Circle on Saturday before marching to the White House to oppose President Donald Trump’s intervention in Washington, DC. Demonstrators carried signs reading “No fascist takeover of DC” and “No military occupation”, reflecting growing anger over Trump’s order to federalize the city’s police force and bring in National Guard troops from several states.

Protesters Condemn “Overreach”

Critics accused Trump of using crime as a pretext for political control, despite data showing violent crime in DC is at a 30-year low. The Chamberlain Network, a veterans’ group that advocates for democracy, said Trump’s move was pulling Guard members away from their real mission.

“From floods to winter storms, we count on our Guard in a crisis,” the group posted on X. “They should be home, ready to respond—not on a political policing mission.”

Guard Troops Stationed Across DC

Roughly 800 National Guard troops are already stationed across DC under Trump’s direct control. Officials say they are handling administrative tasks, patrols, and area cleanup, though the U.S. Army confirmed weapons remain available if needed. A White House spokesperson added that Guard units are conducting patrols on foot and by vehicle around the National Mall and Union Station, but are not currently making arrests.

Legal Challenges and Wider Concerns

Democrats in Congress introduced a resolution to end Trump’s “lawless takeover” of DC’s police. Meanwhile, a federal judge in San Francisco is reviewing whether Trump broke the law by deploying Guard troops to Los Angeles in June without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval.

The protests also highlighted fears that Trump could extend similar federal crackdowns to other Democratic-led cities, a move critics say threatens the balance of power between states and the federal government.

Protesters in Washington, DC rally against Trump’s federal takeover of police and National Guard deployment, warning of overreach and political misuse.