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Three Republican-led states to send National Guard troops to DC

August 17, 2025

President Donald Trump has deployed approximately 800 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, and three Republican-led states are sending additional forces, claiming a "public safety emergency" in the capital. Washington DC officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have contested these claims, pointing to Metropolitan Police Department data showing significant decreases in crime rates. DC residents, who overwhelmingly voted for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, have responded with peaceful protests against the administration's enforcement policies.

Who is affected

  • Washington, DC residents
  • DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials
  • National Guard troops from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio
  • Federal law enforcement agents patrolling the city
  • Tourists in Washington's populated areas

What action is being taken

  • President Trump has deployed approximately 800 National Guard troops to Washington, DC
  • West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio are sending additional National Guard forces (300-400, 200, and 150 troops respectively)
  • Federal law enforcement agencies are patrolling Washington's populous and tourist areas
  • DC residents are conducting peaceful protests and filming federal officers on patrol
  • Mayor Bowser and city officials are contesting Trump's claims about crime in the city

Why it matters

  • The deployment represents a significant federal presence in the nation's capital
  • There's a stark contrast between Trump's claims of "complete and total lawlessness" and official crime statistics showing decreases
  • The situation highlights tensions between federal authority and local governance in DC
  • The administration initially attempted to take command of the city's police force using the District of Columbia Home Rule Act
  • Despite rescinding the order to take over the Metropolitan Police Department, a judge ruled that Mayor Bowser must follow White House directives

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC

Three Republican-led states to send National Guard troops to DC