In a notable response to President Donald Trump's concerns over safety, three Republican-led states will dispatch members of their National Guard forces to Washington, DC. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the deployment of 300-400 troops at Trump's request, while South Carolina will send 200, and Ohio will contribute 150 military police from their National Guard units.
This military presence comes in light of Trump’s declaration of a "public safety emergency" on Monday, during which he described the nation's capital as suffering from "complete and total lawlessness." This characterization has not been well-received by many DC officials and residents, leading to organized protests across the city.
Demonstrators rallied in Dupont Circle over the weekend, emphasizing their discontent with the federal administration, chanting "Free DC!" while some participated in peaceful marches, drumming and ringing bells to express their opposition. Washington, DC is distinctly pro-Democratic, having favored Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, which adds to the context of the local pushback against Trump's comments.
Despite Trump's claims of rampant crime, Washington’s Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed her disagreement, pointing out that while crime increased early in 2023, it has since dropped significantly. Data from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) supports her position, indicating a 32% decrease in homicides from 2023 to 2024, reaching the lowest levels since 2019.
Moreover, preliminary statistics indicate a 26% drop in overall violent crime in 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024, with robberies down by 28%. As tensions rise, the Trump administration's initial attempt to take command of the MPD was rescinded in light of legal objections from city officials. However, Judge Ana Reyes ruled that the mayor must adhere to directives from the White House, complicating the ongoing situation further.
