National Guard in Washington D.C.: What Is It?

• Trump deploys National Guard
• Criticism from local authorities
• Measure for security in Washington

According to EFE, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard in Washington D.C. as a measure to address crime in the capital.

The decision has sparked criticism from local Democratic authorities, who consider it disproportionate and unjustified.

This is the second time since his return to power that Trump has resorted to this military body.

The first was in Los Angeles, to contain protests against immigration raids—an action that also provoked backlash.

What Is the National Guard?

What is the National Guard that Trump has deployed in Washington? #elCaribe #elCariberd #trump #Washington #guardianacional https://t.co/DC8RgRYbSa

— El Caribe (@ElCaribeRD) August 12, 2025

The National Guard is a military reserve force composed of volunteers trained to support the Army and Air Force in emergency situations.

It can act in natural disasters, civil disturbances, or other crises that require additional security.

Each state and the District of Columbia have their own unit, made up mostly of part-time personnel.

In total, it has around 433,000 members with training and equipment similar to regular forces.

Trump Deploys the National Guard in Washington Under Presidential Control

The National Guard operates under a dual-command system, depending on the activation context.

Generally, a state governor activates the force in local emergencies.

However, the U.S. president can “federalize” the National Guard if he considers that the crisis exceeds state capabilities.

In the case of Washington D.C., activation depends solely on the president, as it is not a state.

Reasons for the Deployment in the Capital

Trump declared a public security emergency to take control of the capital’s police force.

This measure has a legal limit of 30 days and allows for the deployment of at least 800 personnel on the streets.

The president justified his decision by stating that Washington’s homicide rate exceeds that of cities like Bogotá or Mexico City.

He also said he aims to remove homeless people from the streets, though he did not specify where they would be relocated.

Criticism and Political Tensions

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser described the decision as “troubling and unprecedented.”

She claimed that violent crime in the capital has dropped by 26% so far this year.

Bowser argued that the city has the capacity to handle its security issues without federal intervention.

Her stance reflects growing political tension with the federal government.

Historical Background of the Deployment

The National Guard has been deployed in Washington on several occasions throughout history.

In 2020, Trump sent about 4,000 personnel to contain demonstrations after the death of George Floyd.

That operation included the forced removal of a protest in front of the White House.

In January 2021, during the assault on the Capitol, only 340 soldiers were deployed, leading to accusations of a slow response.