Why Are More US States Sending National Guard Troops to Washington?
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Synopsis
With escalating crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital, Tennessee is deploying National Guard troops to Washington, prompting significant backlash from Democratic leaders. What are the implications of this decision?
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee is deploying 160 National Guard troops to Washington amid escalating concerns over crime.
- President Trump declared a crime emergency in the capital.
- The total number of National Guard troops could approach 2,000.
- This move has faced backlash from Democratic state leaders.
- Critics argue it undermines the National Guard's mission.
Washington, Aug 20 (NationPress) The state of Tennessee has declared it will dispatch approximately 160 National Guard personnel to Washington. This decision follows President Donald Trump's comments regarding the escalating issues of crime and homelessness in the capital.
This action comes just a week after Trump labeled the situation a crime “emergency” and ordered around 800 troops from the Washington National Guard on August 11.
During the past weekend, Republican governors from West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina committed to sending their own National Guard troops to the capital. On Monday, both Mississippi and Louisiana announced similar plans.
The troops from Tennessee are expected to arrive by the end of this week, potentially raising the total number of National Guard personnel in Washington to nearly 2,000.
These deployments have sparked significant criticism from Democratic leaders. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, urged her fellow governors from states like Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, and others to resist using their troops to support what she termed a “dangerous, politically motivated agenda.”
Kelly emphasized that sending National Guard troops into another jurisdiction without the consent of that state’s governor or the local authorities in Washington, D.C. jeopardizes the National Guard's mission, misuses resources necessary for genuine emergencies, and exacerbates the existing division within the United States.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the complex dynamics at play with the recent deployments of National Guard troops. While some state leaders see this as a necessary response to rising crime and homelessness, others view it as a politically motivated act that could deepen divisions. The situation requires careful consideration of both state authority and federal response.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tennessee sending National Guard troops to Washington?
Tennessee is sending troops in response to concerns about rising crime and homelessness in Washington, D.C., following President Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency.
How many National Guard troops will be in Washington?
With the addition of Tennessee's troops, the total number of National Guard personnel in Washington could reach approximately 2,000.
What has been the response from Democratic leaders?
Democratic leaders, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, have criticized the decision, calling it politically motivated and urging states to reconsider deploying their troops.
What is the role of the National Guard in this situation?
The National Guard's role is typically to respond to emergencies, and critics argue that deploying them in this context undermines their mission and resources.
Which other states are sending troops?
In addition to Tennessee, governors from West Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana have pledged to send their National Guard troops to Washington.
