West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey on 16 August said he would send 300 to 400 National Guard members, along with equipment and specialised training teams, to Washington, D.C., at the request of the Trump administration. The mission, which will be paid for by the federal government, is intended to support a White House campaign to reduce crime and homelessness in the nation’s capital after President Donald Trump declared a “public safety emergency” earlier in the month. Within forty-eight hours, South Carolina authorised 200 troops, Ohio approved 150 military police, and Mississippi committed 200 soldiers. Louisiana later added about 135 personnel, and Tennessee signalled it would contribute forces, lifting the number of out-of-state Guard members expected in the city to more than 1,100. Combined with the 800 District of Columbia Guard troops already activated, officials project the total uniformed presence will exceed 1,900 as additional arrivals were confirmed on 19 August. The deployments are being carried out under Title 32 authority, leaving the troops under their governors’ command while the federal government covers costs and sets operating rules. Trump’s 11 August executive order also placed the Metropolitan Police Department under temporary federal control. Guard units, most of them initially unarmed, have been assigned to crowd-control duties and patrols near landmarks such as Union Station and the National Mall. District officials and some Democratic lawmakers argue the surge is unnecessary and politically driven. Mayor Muriel Bowser cites police data showing violent crime has fallen 26 % this year to a three-decade low, while Senator Chris Van Hollen calls the operation a “manufactured emergency.” Republican governors say they can recall their forces if needed at home, but the White House has suggested further National Guard deployments to other cities remain under consideration.