WASHINGTON — National Guard troops from West Virginia have begun arriving in Washington, DC, this week to support President Donald Trump’s expanded crime crackdown in the nation’s capital, according to a defense official familiar with the deployment.
The move marks the first wave of out-of-state troops being sent to Washington, following announcements by six Republican governors that they would contribute personnel to bolster federal security operations. The governors of West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee confirmed plans to send hundreds of soldiers in coordination with the Trump administration.
The deployment adds to an already significant federal presence in the District, where Trump has previously ordered DC National Guard troops into the streets, federalized the city’s police force, and surged federal agents. Officials said the arriving Guard members could begin operational duties as early as Wednesday once their in-processing is complete.
A Multi-State Effort
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said his state will provide between 300 and 400 soldiers to what Trump has described as a “law-and-order mission” in the capital. South Carolina authorized the deployment of 200 troops, Ohio announced it would send 150, Louisiana approved around 135, Mississippi confirmed 200, and Tennessee will contribute approximately 160, according to state officials.
The deployments, officials said, are necessary to supplement the DC National Guard, which counts roughly 2,400 personnel. A defense official noted that many DC Guard members are either on training rotations or on leave, limiting the immediate availability of troops.
Currently, the Guard is stationed at 10 Metrorail stations across the city, though the soldiers are not carrying firearms and have not been asked to do so. As of Monday, nearly 900 DC-based Guard soldiers and airmen had been mobilized as part of the operation.
Local Leaders Voice Concern
The expansion of federal enforcement in DC has ignited pushback from local leaders, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, who emphasized that the city has no authority over the National Guard or federal deployments.
“But I think it kind of makes the point that this is not about DC crime,” Bowser, a Democrat, told reporters Monday.
Data from the DC Metropolitan Police Department shows overall crime has declined compared to 2024. Still, Trump has consistently cited public safety as justification for the expanded law enforcement presence.
Adding to the tension, the Justice Department is investigating whether the DC police manipulated crime statistics to understate levels of violence. Trump appeared to reference the probe directly in a social media post, accusing local officials of providing “Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety.”
Political Divisions
The decision by Republican governors to send troops has drawn criticism from Democrats, who argue the deployments are politically motivated. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, urged GOP leaders to reconsider.
“I implore my colleagues from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and every other state to reject the temptation to use their soldiers to reinforce a dangerous, politically motivated agenda,” Kelly said in a statement.
Not all Republicans have supported the president’s request. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, refused to deploy his state’s Guard members, saying law enforcement duties in DC do not represent a proper use of the National Guard absent an immediate disaster or emergency. “Public safety is a legitimate concern, but domestic law enforcement is not the Guard’s mission,” Scott’s office said.
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s office confirmed Tuesday that while the state had not received a formal request, it “stands ready to lend support, if needed.”
Federal Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deployments, citing the arrests of 52 individuals Tuesday night as evidence the crackdown is “working.” The figure is roughly in line with daily averages from last year, though officials emphasized many of the arrests occurred in areas categorized as high-crime.
As the additional Guard members arrive, questions remain over the scope of their role and the long-term impact on DC governance. For now, federal officials have said their duties will remain limited to logistical support and station monitoring, leaving law enforcement responsibilities to federal agents and police.
The debate underscores broader national divides over immigration, law enforcement, and executive authority. With more troops scheduled to arrive in the coming days, the capital remains at the center of a politically charged effort that shows little sign of easing.
For official updates on deployments, visit the National Guard Bureau.