In a controversial move, three Republican-led states, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio, have agreed to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., in response to President Donald Trump's alarming claims of rampant lawlessness and a public safety emergency. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced plans to dispatch 300-400 troops at Trump's request, while South Carolina and Ohio are contributing 200 and 150 military police, respectively.
While Trump framed the nation’s capital as a site of “complete and total lawlessness,” local officials vehemently contested these assertions. In fact, an overwhelming 92% of D.C. residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, reflecting widespread opposition to Trump’s enforcement policies. The governance dispute has escalated as many residents took to the streets in peaceful protest, marching through Dupont Circle chanting "Free DC!"
Recent surveys suggest that residents of Washington, D.C., do have concerns related to crime, particularly following a recent violent incident that involved a former Trump administration employee. However, city officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have contradicted Trump's evaluation of the crime rate, noting that a recent spike was followed by a substantial decrease in crime. According to Metropolitan Police Department data, homicides fell by 32% from 2023 to 2024, marking the lowest levels since 2019, while preliminary statistics indicate an overall reduction in violent crime of 26% in 2025 compared to last year.
Despite initial efforts by the Trump administration to control the Metropolitan Police Department through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, these plans were curtailed following legal pushback from city officials. Judge Ana Reyes did indicate that Mayor Bowser must adhere to White House directives, leaving local governance in a precarious position as federal forces patrol the streets.
While Trump framed the nation’s capital as a site of “complete and total lawlessness,” local officials vehemently contested these assertions. In fact, an overwhelming 92% of D.C. residents voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, reflecting widespread opposition to Trump’s enforcement policies. The governance dispute has escalated as many residents took to the streets in peaceful protest, marching through Dupont Circle chanting "Free DC!"
Recent surveys suggest that residents of Washington, D.C., do have concerns related to crime, particularly following a recent violent incident that involved a former Trump administration employee. However, city officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have contradicted Trump's evaluation of the crime rate, noting that a recent spike was followed by a substantial decrease in crime. According to Metropolitan Police Department data, homicides fell by 32% from 2023 to 2024, marking the lowest levels since 2019, while preliminary statistics indicate an overall reduction in violent crime of 26% in 2025 compared to last year.
Despite initial efforts by the Trump administration to control the Metropolitan Police Department through the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, these plans were curtailed following legal pushback from city officials. Judge Ana Reyes did indicate that Mayor Bowser must adhere to White House directives, leaving local governance in a precarious position as federal forces patrol the streets.
