Additional Republican-Led States To Send National Guard Troops To Washington D.C.

Three additional Republican governors have authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to the nation’s capital to support the effort to crack down on crime.

Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee will send National Guard members, increasing the total number of states to six.

The news follows Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia sending National Guard members to the nation’s capital.

Multiple Republican Governors To Send National Guard Troops To Washington D.C.

"The announcements by Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana brought the number of state troops detailed to the president’s effort to more than 1,100," the Associated Press stated.

"I’ve approved the deployment of approximately 200 Mississippi National Guard Soldiers to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump’s effort to return law and order to our nation’s capital. Crime is out of control there, and it’s clear something must be done to combat it," Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

"Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of. I know the brave men and women of our National Guard will do an excellent job enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement," he added.

I’ve approved the deployment of approximately 200 Mississippi National Guard Soldiers to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump’s effort to return law and order to our nation’s capital.

Crime is out of control there, and it’s clear something must be done to combat it.…

— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) August 18, 2025

More from the Associated Press:

In what could also heighten tensions on the streets, Washington has been informed about the intent for the National Guard to be armed, though it has not received details about when that could happen or where armed Guard members could be deployed in the District, according to a person familiar who was not authorized to disclose the plans and spoke on condition of anonymity.

It would be a departure from what the Pentagon and Army have said about the troops being unarmed. The Army said in a statement last week that “weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory.” Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson also said last week that troops won’t be armed.

In response to questions about whether Guard members in Washington would be armed in the coming days, the District of Columbia National Guard said troops “may be armed consistent with their mission and training.” Maj. Melissa Heintz, a spokesperson for the D.C. Guard, didn’t provide more details.

The stepped-up guard presence grew further Monday with the new deployments from Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, all led by Republican governors. A spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said that the governor had granted a request from the Trump administration for the state’s National Guard members “to assist with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities, and traffic control.” The troops “are ready to assist as long as needed,” the governor’s office said.

"I have approved the deployment of approximately 135 @LANationalGuard soldiers to Washington DC to assist in President @realDonaldTrump’s mission of restoring safety and peace in our nation’s capital," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said.

"We are a nation of law and order. Our capital is a reflection of our nation’s respect, beauty, and standards. We cannot allow our cities to be overcome by violence and lawlessness. I am proud to support this mission to return safety and sanity to Washington DC and cities all across our country, including right here in Louisiana," he continued.

I have approved the deployment of approximately 135 @LANationalGuard soldiers to Washington DC to assist in President @realDonaldTrump’s mission of restoring safety and peace in our nation’s capital.

We are a nation of law and order. Our capital is a reflection of our nation’s…

— Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) August 18, 2025

A defense official told CNN that West Virginia National Guard troops started arriving in the nation's capital.

West Virginia deploys hundreds of National Guard troops to support DC crime crackdownhttps://t.co/K7yqLhNarS

— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 18, 2025

CNN provided further info:

The defense official said Tuesday that while there are roughly 2,400 personnel in the DC National Guard, assistance from other states was needed because of how many troops are either undergoing training elsewhere or are on leave.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday he approved about 135 National Guard troops to DC, while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he would deploy approximately 200 members.

Tennessee will send roughly 160 guard members to the city this week following a request from the Trump administration, Gov. Bill Lee’s press secretary said in a Tuesday statement to CNN.

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Over the weekend, West Virginia’s governor said his state was sending 300 to 400 National Guard troops to the nation’s capital. South Carolina authorized the deployment of 200 troops, and Ohio said it will send 150.