United States: Sporadic protests broke out in Washington DC over the weekend after President Donald Trump ordered a major law enforcement takeover of the city. He deployed the DC National Guard, describing the capital as unsafe, even though violent crime there has been declining since 2023.
Conservative governors and allies praised the move, while many residents and lawmakers criticized it as an overreach of power.
Troop Numbers Could Double
- DC already has about 800 National Guard troops on the ground.
- Three Republican governors pledged up to 750 more troops:
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey: 300–400 troops
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine: 150 troops
- South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster: 200 troops
- This would nearly double the number of troops patrolling DC
- Federal funding will cover these deployments.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) called the move a “manufactured emergency” and warned it could face legal challenges if extended beyond 30 days without Congress.
National Guard May Soon Be Armed
- At first, Guard members were deployed with body armor only, leaving weapons at their armory.
- The Pentagon is now considering orders for troops to carry weapons, though the timing is unclear.
- Officials say armed Guard troops would not make arrests but would protect federal buildings, assist law enforcement, and deter crime.
Where Are the Troops?
So far, National Guard units are mostly stationed around:
- National monuments
- Union Station
- Federal government buildings
Meanwhile, FBI and Homeland Security officers have been clearing homeless camps and carrying out arrests.
Arrests Climb — But Not by the Guard
- More than 300 arrests have been made in D.C. so far, according to US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- 68 arrests were made on Saturday night alone, along with 15 illegal firearms seized.
- Importantly, the National Guard itself is not currently making arrests.
Protests Spark Across the City
Despite the heavy federal presence, protests have continued:
- On Friday night, demonstrators banged pots and pans in the streets.
- Some booed and heckled law enforcement while recording arrests on their phones.
- Small marches and gatherings took place downtown over the weekend.
- Police reported no arrests tied to protests by local D.C. officers.
Key Takeaway:
DC is now seeing one of the largest National Guard mobilizations in years. While the Trump administration frames it as a move for safety, critics say it’s an abuse of power and fear it could set a dangerous precedent. The situation remains fluid, with troops potentially being armed soon and legal battles looming.