West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey is deploying 300 to 400 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a statement released Saturday.
Newsweek reached out the White House via email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
This deployment is part of Trump’s broader initiative to address what he has characterized as a crime and homelessness emergency in Washington, D.C.
The move represents a significant federal intervention in the capital’s governance, despite U.S. Justice Department data showing that violent crime in Washington hit a 30-year low in 2024.
What To Know
Drew Galang, a spokesperson for Governor Morrisey, confirmed to Reuters that the West Virginia National Guard received orders late Friday to organize the deployment of equipment and personnel to D.C. The mission will be funded at the federal level, with troops operating under the command of West Virginia Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward.
The deployment represents a “show of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation” and will include specialized equipment, training, and personnel to support federal operations in the nation’s capital.
Earlier this week, Trump announced plans to deploy hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington and temporarily take control of the city’s police department. A White House official stated that additional Guard troops would be called in to “protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime.”
However, the federal takeover faced immediate legal challenges. Washington, D.C., officials filed a lawsuit Friday to block the federal assumption of police control. Following negotiations, the Trump administration and D.C. officials reached a partial agreement allowing Mayor Muriel Bowser‘s appointed police chief to remain in command while still permitting federal use of D.C. police officers for emergency purposes.
The legal framework governing National Guard deployments is complex. While the National Guard typically answers to state governors, the D.C. National Guard reports directly to the president.
Questions remain about Trump’s authority to deploy Guard troops to other locations without gubernatorial approval, with a federal judge in San Francisco expected to rule on whether Trump violated the law by deploying troops to Los Angeles without California Governor Gavin Newsom’s consent.
What People Are Saying
Governor Patrick Morrisey said in Saturday’s statement: “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital. The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”
Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, West Virginia Adjutant General, said in Saturday’s statement: “This initiative aligns with our values of service and dedication to our communities. We stand ready to support our partners in the National Capital Region and contribute to the collective effort of making our nation’s capital a clean and safe environment.”
What Happens Next?
The West Virginia National Guard deployment is expected to proceed as planned, joining other federal forces already operating in Washington, D.C.
The post West Virginia Answers Trump’s Call for D.C. National Guard Support appeared first on Newsweek.
