National Guard Troops in Washington, D.C. Set to Increase
The number of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. is expected to more than double shortly. This increase comes after Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia recently sent their troops to assist in federal operations under President Trump.
This change, particularly the potential for guard members to carry weapons, marks a significant escalation in Trump’s approach to law enforcement in the capital.
Currently, around 800 National Guard members are stationed in D.C., with additional forces arriving: approximately 200 from Mississippi, between 300 to 400 from West Virginia, 150 from Ohio, and another 200 from South Carolina. This deployment extends into areas usually known for being low-crime and tourist-friendly.
“Crime is clearly out of control, and action is necessary,” Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves stated on Monday. His remarks reflect the sentiment of several Republican governors who have requested additional security for the Trump administration.
West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina have all pledged their state troops over the weekend, intending to amplify Trump’s federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in cities led by Democrats.
However, not all GOP governors are on board; Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) has opted to keep his troops at home. He expressed concern about using the National Guard for such purposes unless a genuine emergency arises that local responders cannot manage. Scott does not view the deployment as an appropriate use of National Guard resources.
In response, Gibbs stated that if Scott were a D.C. official in need of federal help, he could have dispatched numerous guards. But he remarked that the situation has become overly politicized, resulting in Scott’s hesitance.
Trump has declared a “crime emergency” in the city, taking control of local law enforcement and initiating federal operations through an executive order. This has led to the engagement of various federal agencies, even as crime rates have reportedly decreased since 2023.
Critics argue that this is nothing more than a publicity stunt and a troubling militarization of Washington, a sentiment echoed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who countered the narrative surrounding crime in the city on Monday. She pointed out the lack of authority over the D.C. Guard and indicated that the federal and state deployments are not truly focused on D.C. crime.
Bowser asserted, “The real issue is violent crime,” emphasizing that if this initiative relates to immigration enforcement, that should be communicated clearly.
Thus far, National Guard members have assisted in traditionally low-crime areas such as the National Mall and prominent landmarks, mainly for crowd control and patrolling duties.
It remains uncertain why additional troops were sought by Trump, considering the National Guard’s limited role. Many guards have been positioned in places where incidents seem unlikely, though they could arm themselves if necessary.
An Army statement clarified that the initial deployment prohibits guards from wearing body armor or carrying weapons in their vehicles.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson informed reporters that the guards would not perform law enforcement duties in D.C., although they would have the authority to temporarily detain individuals until local police arrive.
Nonetheless, the White House later stated that National Guard members “may be armed as their mission outlines, to safeguard federal assets, provide a secure environment for law enforcement, and deter violent crime through visible presence.”
