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Trump, Donald

Trump Administration Sued Over National Guard Deployment in DC

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb is suing the Trump administration, accusing the president of violating the Constitution and federal law by sending thousands of National Guard troops into the city without consent from local leaders. The lawsuit claims that the troops, mostly from out-of-state GOP-led states, have been deputized by the US Marshals office and are patrolling neighborhoods, conducting searches, and making arrests, despite federal laws that generally bar the military from acting as local police. The deployment undermines the city's autonomy, erodes trust between residents and law enforcement, and damages the local economy by discouraging tourism and hurting businesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit alleges that President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in DC is unconstitutional and violates federal law, as it allows the military to act as local police without consent from local leaders.
  • As of Tuesday morning, there were 2,290 National Guard troops assigned to the mission, with 1,340 from supporting states.
  • The deployment costs taxpayers an estimated $1 million a day, and the troops are seen taking photos with tourists, picking up trash, and laying mulch.
  • DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to endorse the lawsuit, stating that her focus was on exiting the emergency and avoiding provoking the president.
  • The White House claims the lawsuit is an attempt to "undermine" Trump's efforts to crack down on crime in DC, and argues that the deployment is within the president's lawful authority.
  • The orders for the DC National Guard troops have been extended through November 30, and the deployment is expected to continue until December.
  • The lawsuit comes as the Trump administration prepares for a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago, where National Guard troops may be deployed.
  • The city's status as a district, not a state, allows the president and the federal government more leeway in directing troops and federal authorities.

Statistics:

  • 2,290: The number of National Guard troops assigned to the mission in DC as of Tuesday morning.
  • 1,340: The number of National Guard troops from supporting states assigned to the mission in DC.
  • $1 million: The estimated daily cost of the National Guard deployment in DC.
  • 6 GOP-led states: The states that have provided troops to DC as part of the National Guard deployment.
  • 11: The date on which President Trump rolled out the deployment of troops in DC.
  • August: The month in which the National Guard troops began patrolling neighborhoods and conducting searches in DC.

Sources:

  • Schwalb, Brian. (2020). Washington D.C. Attorney General's Office. "Lawsuit filed by Attorney General Brian Schwalb against the Trump Administration."
  • CNN. (2020). "DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment."
  • Trump, Donald. (2020). White House Press Release. "President Trump to Deploy National Guard to Washington D.C. to Protect Federal Assets and Assist Law Enforcement."

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