In a bid to heighten security in Washington, DC, three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—are sending National Guard troops to support the roughly 800 federal troops deployed by President Donald Trump. West Virginia plans to send between 300 to 400 troops, while South Carolina and Ohio will contribute 200 and 150 military police, respectively, all at Trump’s request.
President Trump declared a "public safety emergency," citing what he claims is "complete and total lawlessness" in the capital. However, local officials and residents have strongly objected, with many taking to the streets in protest. Over the weekend, hundreds of DC residents marched through Dupont Circle chanting "Free DC!" to express their frustration with the situation.
Despite Trump’s narrative of rampant crime—recently fueled by an attack on a former Trump administration employee—District Mayor Muriel Bowser has pushed back against these claims. She acknowledged a crime spike in 2023, but emphasized that overall crime rates are down significantly now. For example, homicides dropped by 32% between 2023 and 2024, reaching the lowest levels seen since 2019.
Tensions escalated further when the Trump administration attempted to take command of the Metropolitan Police Department, an effort that was rescinded after legal pushback from city officials. However, a judge stated that Mayor Bowser must adhere to federal directives, resulting in an ongoing tug-of-war between local governance and federal intervention.
As federal law enforcement patrols increase, residents continue to voice their concerns about safety and governance, showing that the tumult in Washington is far from over.
President Trump declared a "public safety emergency," citing what he claims is "complete and total lawlessness" in the capital. However, local officials and residents have strongly objected, with many taking to the streets in protest. Over the weekend, hundreds of DC residents marched through Dupont Circle chanting "Free DC!" to express their frustration with the situation.
Despite Trump’s narrative of rampant crime—recently fueled by an attack on a former Trump administration employee—District Mayor Muriel Bowser has pushed back against these claims. She acknowledged a crime spike in 2023, but emphasized that overall crime rates are down significantly now. For example, homicides dropped by 32% between 2023 and 2024, reaching the lowest levels seen since 2019.
Tensions escalated further when the Trump administration attempted to take command of the Metropolitan Police Department, an effort that was rescinded after legal pushback from city officials. However, a judge stated that Mayor Bowser must adhere to federal directives, resulting in an ongoing tug-of-war between local governance and federal intervention.
As federal law enforcement patrols increase, residents continue to voice their concerns about safety and governance, showing that the tumult in Washington is far from over.
