Washington, DC is bracing for an even bigger military presence.
Three Republican-led states—West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio—are sending hundreds of National Guard troops.
They will back up the 800 already stationed in the capital. This is at President Donald Trump’s request.
West Virginia alone is dispatching up to 400 troops, while South Carolina and Ohio are sending 200 and 150, respectively.
What’s The Reason?
Trump insists the capital is drowning in “complete and total lawlessness,” declaring a public safety emergency.
But local officials—and many residents—aren’t buying it.
“The president is painting a distorted picture,” said DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
She pointed to police data showing homicides down 32% since 2023 and violent crime overall down 26% this year.
Still, frustration simmers. Residents have filmed federal officers patrolling neighborhoods.
Peaceful protests filled the streets over the weekend.
Marchers in Dupont Circle chanted “Free DC!” as drums and bells echoed through the capital.
So what’s really happening? Crime concerns are real, but numbers suggest Trump’s grim narrative doesn’t match the data.
Some see politics at play. Others see a fight for control.
Especially after the administration briefly tried, and failed, to take over DC’s police department.
At the heart of it all lies a question: is Washington under siege—or under spin?
