Three Republican-led States Send Hundreds of National Guard Troops to Washington
West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio deploy troops in response to Trump's policing overhaul efforts.
Washington: Three Republican-led states have announced plans to send hundreds of National Guard members to the nation's capital, as part of the Trump administration's push to federalize local police forces and tackle crime and homelessness.
West Virginia is deploying between 300 to 400 troops, South Carolina has pledged 200, and Ohio will send 150 in the coming days, marking a significant escalation of the federal intervention in Washington.
The move comes amid growing protests against President Donald Trump's executive order, which activists argue is an overreach of presidential powers and could set a dangerous precedent for other cities.
Demonstrators marched through Washington on Saturday to oppose the deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops, arguing that it undermines local governance and violates civil liberties.
City officials have expressed concern about the impact of Trump's order, which declares an emergency due to the city government's failure to maintain public order.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has urged residents to stand united against the federal takeover, emphasizing that Washington must protect its limited self-government in the face of this unprecedented challenge.
The deployment of National Guard members from outside the district is part of a broader strategy to bolster law enforcement in Washington.
Critics argue that it may exacerbate tensions and create an atmosphere of fear among residents, particularly those in minority communities who are already skeptical of federal law enforcement agencies.
The presence of unmarked officers has sparked concerns about potential abuses of power and arbitrary detentions.
Protesters have called on city officials to resist the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle local governance and prioritize community safety over military intervention.
In a show of solidarity, residents from across the district gathered in Dupont Circle before marching towards the White House, demanding that their voices be heard and their rights protected.
As the situation continues to unfold, city leaders are working to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding Trump's executive order.
The administration has faced several setbacks in court, including an attempt to appoint a federal police commissioner, which was later withdrawn following legal challenges from the district's top lawyer.
Despite these obstacles, the Trump administration remains committed to its policing overhaul agenda, citing concerns about rising crime rates and public safety.
The deployment of National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio highlights the contentious nature of this issue, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to restore order in the nation's capital, while others see it as an unwarranted power grab that undermines local democracy.
West Virginia is deploying between 300 to 400 troops, South Carolina has pledged 200, and Ohio will send 150 in the coming days, marking a significant escalation of the federal intervention in Washington.
The move comes amid growing protests against President Donald Trump's executive order, which activists argue is an overreach of presidential powers and could set a dangerous precedent for other cities.
Demonstrators marched through Washington on Saturday to oppose the deployment of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops, arguing that it undermines local governance and violates civil liberties.
City officials have expressed concern about the impact of Trump's order, which declares an emergency due to the city government's failure to maintain public order.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has urged residents to stand united against the federal takeover, emphasizing that Washington must protect its limited self-government in the face of this unprecedented challenge.
The deployment of National Guard members from outside the district is part of a broader strategy to bolster law enforcement in Washington.
Critics argue that it may exacerbate tensions and create an atmosphere of fear among residents, particularly those in minority communities who are already skeptical of federal law enforcement agencies.
The presence of unmarked officers has sparked concerns about potential abuses of power and arbitrary detentions.
Protesters have called on city officials to resist the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle local governance and prioritize community safety over military intervention.
In a show of solidarity, residents from across the district gathered in Dupont Circle before marching towards the White House, demanding that their voices be heard and their rights protected.
As the situation continues to unfold, city leaders are working to navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding Trump's executive order.
The administration has faced several setbacks in court, including an attempt to appoint a federal police commissioner, which was later withdrawn following legal challenges from the district's top lawyer.
Despite these obstacles, the Trump administration remains committed to its policing overhaul agenda, citing concerns about rising crime rates and public safety.
The deployment of National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio highlights the contentious nature of this issue, with some viewing it as a necessary measure to restore order in the nation's capital, while others see it as an unwarranted power grab that undermines local democracy.
