800 National Guard Troops Deployed to Washington, DC Under Trump’s Crime Crackdown
- Posted on August 13, 2025
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 91 Views
President Trump has deployed 800 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, to deter crime and support law enforcement. Stationed near the Capitol until September 25, they cannot arrest locals under the Home Rule Act. Their role is limited to guarding federal assets, providing logistical support, and serving as a visible police presence.
President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of 800 National Guard troops to Washington, DC, in a bid to address rising crime and “restore order” in the capital. The troops, activated on Monday, are stationed at the DC National Guard headquarters near the Capitol and will remain in the city until at least September 25, unless conditions improve or Congress extends their stay.
According to the White House, the Guard’s mission is to protect federal assets, bolster police presence, and assist law enforcement in deterring violent crime. Their tasks include providing logistical and administrative support, standing guard at key sites, and acting as a visible deterrent to criminal activity. However, under the District’s Home Rule Act, DC National Guard members are prohibited from making arrests. Any detentions will be handled by local or federal law enforcement.
The deployment follows weeks of political debate over crime rates in the capital, with Trump asserting that the federal government has a responsibility to intervene in the Democrat-led city. Officials say the measure mirrors past use of Guard forces for non-combat roles, such as border security and protest management.
This is not the first time Trump has called in troops to the capital. In 2020, during nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, National Guard personnel were deployed in large numbers to manage unrest.
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While supporters argue the latest move will make streets safer, critics warn it risks escalating tensions and undermining local authority. Videos on social media have already shown troops patrolling city streets, prompting unease among some residents about the heightened federal presence.
