West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio governors have pledged to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of a broader initiative led by the Trump administration to increase security and cleanliness in the nation’s capital. The deployment, requested by the Trump administration, involves sending between 150 and 400 troops from each state. This decision follows the federalization of D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department, which gave President Trump emergency control over the city’s law enforcement for 30 days.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting President Trump’s mission, stating, “West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital.” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster added that the National Guard would assist in ensuring public safety, while Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine pledged to send 150 troops to the city. The states’ missions are funded at the federal level, reflecting a coordinated federal-state effort to address security concerns in Washington, D.C.
President Trump’s administration has been working to tackle rising crime in the city, with National Guard members, along with agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, already visible in key areas such as D.C.’s Union Station. Attorney General Pam Bondi reported nearly 200 arrests since the federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department, including two homicide suspects, 17 drug traffickers, 39 illegal gun offenders, and two sexual predators. The National Guard’s role has been highlighted as a key component of this effort, with Maj. Gen. Jim Seward commanding the West Virginia contingent and pledging the Guard’s readiness to support the initiative.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also expressed support for the National Guard’s involvement, calling them “force multipliers” for the D.C. police. The deployment of troops from red states reflects a broader political strategy and underscores the administration’s focus on addressing public safety and law enforcement challenges. As the situation in D.C. continues to evolve, the National Guard’s presence and the coordination between state and federal authorities will remain a critical aspect of the effort to ensure the nation’s capital remains secure.