Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed skepticism over the legality of President Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to cities nationwide in an effort to combat crime. Speaking on Wednesday at the Fortune Most Powerful Women conference, Bowser emphasized concerns about the role of federal troops policing U.S. citizens on American soil.
What Happened
Mayor Bowser addressed questions about the federal deployment of the National Guard, noting that the D.C. National Guard operates differently from most states. “I don’t think it’s legal, let me start there, for the National Guard to police Americans on American soil,” she said. Unlike states where the governor controls the National Guard, D.C.’s Guard reports directly to the president.
Bowser explained that the city uses the National Guard for emergencies and large-scale events, but never to enforce local laws. The comments come amid President Trump’s expanded use of federal agents and National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and other Democratic-led cities.
Background of the Issue
Trump has deployed federal forces and the National Guard to several cities, citing crime reduction and immigration enforcement as the rationale. In Chicago, a federal appeals court partially returned control of the National Guard to the federal government but blocked Trump from sending troops to the streets across Illinois. Similarly, Los Angeles officials sued over National Guard deployments in response to anti-ICE protests during federal immigration raids.
The deployments have sparked legal and political disputes, highlighting tensions over federal versus state authority, and the unique status of the District of Columbia.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Bowser’s remarks have prompted widespread discussion online, with hashtags like #NationalGuard, #FederalOverreach, and #DCDemocracy trending on social media. Critics of the federal deployments argue that using the military in civilian policing could set a dangerous precedent, while supporters contend it is necessary for public safety.
Official Statements or What Happens Next
Bowser warned that deploying the National Guard in policing roles could be a “slippery slope” that interferes with democratic norms. “You use it for crowd control one day, or presence the next day — it’s not a long jump to using it in other ways that could interfere with the very nature of American democracy,” she said.
The debate over National Guard deployments is ongoing, with multiple lawsuits and court rulings shaping how and where federal troops may operate domestically.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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