West Virginia National Guard soldiers are being sent to Washington DC as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to increase federal control of law enforcement in the city.
Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday on X that 300 to 400 Guard members will be deployed to the nation’s capital. He said the move supports Trump’s goal to “make D.C. safe and beautiful” and added that the mission will be federally funded. The Guard will also provide equipment and training.
A White House official said the National Guard’s role in DC is mainly to secure federal property, provide backup for police, and act as a visible presence to deter crime. The troops are not making arrests right now, though officials confirmed they may have weapons nearby for self-defense.
The deployment comes as the Trump administration ramps up its “crime emergency” response in DC. According to an internal Secret Service memo, more than 700 federal agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, Homeland Security, and other agencies are now patrolling the city. Trump said he had already sent 500 agents earlier in the week.
In addition to the troop surge, the White House confirmed federal agents cleared 25 homeless encampments on Friday. Officials said people would be moved to shelters or, if they refused to leave, possibly to jail. Homeless advocates criticized the move, saying it disrupts long-term housing solutions and violates residents’ rights.
Local leaders in Washington have pushed back against the federal takeover. DC Councilmember Robert White said he was “startled” by West Virginia’s decision to send troops, calling Trump’s actions a threat to democratic norms.
The deployment also follows a lawsuit filed by Washington DC against the Trump administration, challenging Attorney General Pam Bondi’s order to give a federal appointee control of the city’s police department. A judge later ordered that local Police Chief Pamela Smith remain in charge.
Despite the controversy, West Virginia Adjutant General Jim Seward said the Guard is ready to help. “We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to keeping our nation’s capital safe and clean,” Seward said.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the president’s moves, describing them as an “authoritarian push.”
key takeaways
West Virginia National Guard deploying 300–400 troops to Washington DC.
First time out-of-state Guard joins Trump’s federal police takeover.
Part of Trump’s plan to increase federal law enforcement in DC.
Guard troops will secure federal property, support police, and deter crime.
Federal agents also cleared 25 homeless encampments this week.
Local DC leaders call move “authoritarian” and a breach of norms.
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