Three states – Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia – are deploying their National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital.
West Virginia will deploy 300 to 400 Guard troops, South Carolina pledged 200, and Ohio says it will send 150. This comes after President Trump’s executive order Monday activating 800 D.C. National Guard troops and federalizing local police. (RELATED: ‘We’re Taking It Back’: Trump Deploying National Guard To Streets Of Nation’s Capital)
“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Republican West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
At the request of the Trump administration, I have directed the @WVNationalGuard to support the President’s initiative to make D.C. safe and beautiful. We are deploying 300-400 skilled personnel to the nation’s capital, reflecting our commitment to a strong and secure America.
— Patrick Morrisey (@MorriseyWV) August 16, 2025
“Our National Guard will work to assist President Trump’s mission, and should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, they can and will be immediately recalled home to respond,” Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said.
I’ve authorized the deployment of 200 S.C. National Guardsmen to support President Trump in his mission to restore law and order to our nation’s capital. The federal government will pay for this deployment under Title 32. Our National Guard will work to assist President Trump’s…
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) August 16, 2025
“We have been asked by the Secretary of the Army to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to support the District of Columbia National Guard,” DeWine said in a statement. “These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio.”
#BREAKING: 150 military police officers from the Ohio National Guard will be sent to D.C., Governor Mike DeWine announces. pic.twitter.com/qnLLPom0LI
— Jaden Jefferson (@Jaden_Reports) August 16, 2025
A White House official told CBS News Saturday, “The National Guard is not making arrests at this time – they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training, to protect federal assets, provide a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests, and deter violent crime with a visible law enforcement presence,” the White House official said Saturday.”