Demonstration of power in the capital: Trump orders even more National Guard troops to Washington

US President Trump is having hundreds of National Guard troops patrol Washington – against the express wishes of the city administration. Now the troop strength in the capital is set to be expanded even further.

At the request of US President Donald Trump, the Republican governors of West Virginia and South Carolina are sending hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The office of West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that 300 to 400 troops will be sent to Washington, D.C., as a "sign of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation." South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also announced the deployment of 200 National Guard troops. According to US media, this will further increase the announced contingent of 800 National Guard troops.

This week, Trump announced by decree that he would mobilize hundreds of Washington National Guard troops and temporarily take over the police department of the Democratic-run city. He cited a crime and homelessness emergency as the reason. This alleged emergency is not supported by facts: Data from the Department of Justice show that violent crime in Washington fell to a 30-year low in 2024. Observers believe Trump's move is more likely a demonstration of power and a distraction from domestic political problems. The focus of the operation is primarily on undocumented immigrants and the homeless on the city's streets and squares.

Police chief remains in office

The deployment of additional troops followed a legal dispute between the city administration and the Trump administration. The Washington attorney general had sued to block the federal government's takeover of the police force. Ultimately, both sides agreed that the police chief appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser would remain in office.

According to a White House official, the additional National Guard troops are intended to "protect federal property, create a safe environment for law enforcement officers, and provide a visible presence to deter crime." Trump, who has hinted at similar measures in other Democratic-run cities, is attempting to expand presidential powers in his second term. In June, he ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles against the wishes of the California governor. A federal judge will rule on the legality of this deployment in the coming weeks.