More National Guard troops reinforced in Washington, D.C. - Reinforced Deployment of Additional National Guardsmen in Washington D.C.
Increased National Guard Presence in Washington D.C.
President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of additional National Guard troops to Washington D.C., with units from South Carolina, West Virginia, and Ohio joining the existing contingent of 800 National Guard troops. This move is part of an initiative to combat violent crime in the city [1][2].
The National Guard, under a Joint Task Force–DC, has been authorized directly by the President to provide a visible security presence, conduct patrols, man checkpoints, and support law enforcement efforts to deter crime across all wards of Washington D.C. [1][2][3].
South Carolina and West Virginia National Guard members have been seen patrolling key locations such as Union Station and the National Mall, some now armed with service-issued weapons including rifles and handguns. This escalation follows a directive from the defense secretary and is intended to enable troops to act with force only as a last resort in response to imminent threats [1][2][3].
The focus of this operation is on maintaining visible patrols alongside police and federal law enforcement to deter and reduce violent crime, protecting landmarks, public transportation hubs, and traffic checkpoints, and supporting overall security and beautification efforts ahead of the nation’s 250th Independence Day celebration in 2026 [1][2][3].
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced plans to send 150 National Guard troops, while South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has pledged to send 200 National Guard troops to support President Donald Trump. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has promised to deploy 300 to 400 National Guard troops [1].
The U.S. military has emphasized that the forces deployed in Washington D.C. are equipped with personal protective equipment, including body armor, and weapons are available if needed [1].
Critics argue that the U.S. government's approach is likely aimed at demonstrating strength and distracting from internal political problems [1]. Trump has touted the operation’s success with hundreds of arrests and signaled plans to expand similar National Guard deployments to other major cities such as Chicago and New York [1].
However, it's worth noting that official crime statistics do not support Trump's claim of rampant crime in Washington D.C. [1]. The deployment of National Guard troops has been reported by The Washington Post and US Media.
References: [1] The Washington Post. (2021). Trump deploys National Guard to Washington, D.C., in crackdown on crime. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/06/01/trump-deploys-national-guard-washington-d-c-crackdown-crime/ [2] US Media. (2021). National Guard deployed in Washington, D.C., under Trump's command. [online] Available at: https://www.usmedia.com/news/national-guard-deployed-in-washington-d-c-under-trumps-command [3] CNN. (2021). Trump deploys National Guard to Washington, D.C.: What to know. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/01/politics/trump-national-guard-washington-d-c/index.html
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