The National Guard of the USA is being deployed in Washington

• Three Republican states are sending National Guard troops to Washington
• Protests by residents against Trump’s policies continue
• Crime in Washington is decreasing, despite Trump’s statements

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Three Republican states in the USA are sending their military personnel from the National Guard to Washington, D.C., to support nearly 800 troops that President Donald Trump has already deployed in the city.

The governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey, announced that he will send 300-400 soldiers from the National Guard at Trump’s request. Southern Carolina has sent 200 troops, while the state of Ohio has sent 150 military police.

Trump announced a "national emergency situation in the area of public safety" on September 16, asserting that the situation in the country is "completely and totally out of control." However, the elected officials of Washington have rejected these statements, and on Saturday, residents of the city took to the streets in protest.

Agents from several federal law enforcement agencies patrol the most populated and tourist areas of Washington alongside the National Guard troops. Many residents, who supported vice-president Kamala Harris in the 2024 elections, expressed their disappointment regarding Trump’s policies.

Protesters gathered in Dupont, the central hub of the city, and marched through the streets, chanting "Free Washington!" They also gathered in bars and rang bells.

Residents of Washington expressed their concern regarding crime, although police data shows that homicides decreased by 32% in 2023. Previous data indicate a decrease in violent crime by 26% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Senator Kris Van Hollen from Maryland emphasized that the presence of the National Guard in Washington is "alarming." According to him, the National Guard is not supposed to perform the functions of local police, and the presence of armed troops raises questions.

The National Guard has been deployed to the National Mall and at Union Station, where several people have already been detained, and homeless encampments are also being cleared.

Van Hollen urged the federal government to provide Washington with financial support instead of increasing the number of troops.

Tags: USA/Politics