In a significant move, hundreds of West Virginia National Guard members are set to deploy across the nation’s capital as part of the Trump administration's initiative to overhaul policing in Washington D.C. This decision is framed as a federal response to rising concerns about crime and homelessness in the city. Following President Trump's executive order on Monday, there has been a noticeable presence of federal agents and National Guard troops in this heavily Democratic area.
Republican West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Saturday that he would be dispatching a contingent of 300 to 400 members of the National Guard. "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital," Morrisey stated, highlighting the state's commitment to supporting federal efforts in D.C.
This deployment marks a significant escalation of federal control over the city. By augmenting the existing National Guard deployment with additional troops, President Trump is taking measures to tighten his grip on city governance. This is being justified as an urgent response to crime and homelessness, despite local officials pointing out that the rate of violent crime has actually decreased compared to Trump's first term in office.
A White House official informed CBS News on Saturday that the National Guard members deployed to D.C. may be armed, although they will not be authorized to make arrests. This update contradicts earlier statements from a Defense Department official who had indicated that Guard members would remain unarmed at the request of local law enforcement. The current directive allows them to carry arms to protect federal assets and provide a secure environment for law enforcement operations.
The deployment has sparked significant public reaction, including protests against President Trump’s intervention. Demonstrators gathered at Dupont Circle on Saturday afternoon, marching towards the White House under banners proclaiming “No fascist takeover of D.C.” and “No military occupation.” This reflects a palpable tension in the community regarding the federal presence.
The activation of the West Virginia National Guard suggests that the Trump administration perceives a pressing need for additional manpower, particularly after the President previously downplayed the necessity for Washington D.C. to hire more police officers. Maj. Gen. James Seward, West Virginia's adjutant general, expressed readiness to support the National Capital Region, emphasizing the National Guard's unique capabilities in this crucial initiative.
Federal agents have been deployed in some of the city’s busiest neighborhoods, eliciting diverse reactions from local residents and leaders. City officials, while obligated to comply with the federal order, have voiced concerns about the extent of the President's takeover. Recently, the administration also reversed a decision to appoint the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as an emergency police commissioner following legal challenges from the district’s top lawyer.
In his executive order, President Trump declared a state of emergency, citing the city government's failure to maintain public order, which he claimed impeded federal operations. In a letter to D.C. residents, Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the unprecedented challenges faced by their limited self-government, urging Washingtonians to unite in the fight for American democracy, even amid restrictions imposed by federal authority.
