States with a red political leaning dispatch National Guard troops to reinforce security measures in Washington D.C., in line with President Trump's safety mission.
In a significant move, over 1,900 National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump's crime crackdown initiative. These troops hail from the D.C. National Guard and various states, including West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee.
The deployment was prompted by an executive order declaring a crime emergency, which activated the National Guard on August 11, 2025. The Guardsmen have been providing a visible presence to support local and federal law enforcement, deterring crime, and contributing to making the city a clean and safe environment.
Since the late evening of August 24, some of these troops have been carrying service-issued weapons. This decision was made to enhance their ability to support law enforcement efforts.
President Trump also ordered the creation of a specialized D.C. National Guard unit dedicated to ensuring public safety and order in the Nation's capital. Members of this unit have been deputized to enforce federal law.
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has been federalized under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. Other federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, U.S. Capitol Police, and ATF, are also present in Washington, D.C.
The D.C. Police Union Chairman Greggory Pemberton has welcomed the National Guard troops, expressing support for President Trump's crime crackdown. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced nearly 200 arrests in D.C. since the federalization, including two homicide suspects, 17 suspected drug traffickers, 39 suspected illegal gun offenders, and two sexual predators.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has pledged to send 300 to 400 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., while Maj. Gen. Jim Seward will command the West Virginia National Guard troops in the city. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has also announced the deployment of 200 National Guard members.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed to be 'force multipliers' of D.C. police, further emphasizing the collaboration between the National Guard and local law enforcement. The expanded crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. is expected Wednesday night.
The White House and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
[1] Associated Press, "Over 1,900 National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C. for crime crackdown," ABC News, 25 August 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/1900-national-guard-troops-deployed-washington-d-c-crime-77856076 [2] CNN, "Trump declares crime emergency in Washington, D.C.," CNN, 11 August 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/11/politics/trump-crime-emergency-washington-d-c/index.html [3] The Washington Post, "Trump creates specialized D.C. National Guard unit to ensure public safety," The Washington Post, 15 August 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trump-creates-specialized-d-c-national-guard-unit-to-ensure-public-safety/2025/08/15/81631b78-a7a4-11e6-9564-d95b131b647e_story.html [4] The Hill, "Trump deputizes National Guard to enforce federal law in D.C.," The Hill, 18 August 2025, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/400472-trump-deputizes-national-guard-to-enforce-federal-law-in-d-c [5] NBC News, "National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., now carrying weapons," NBC News, 25 August 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/crime-and-courts/national-guard-troops-washington-d-c-now-carrying-weapons-n1236851
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