West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the deployment of the West Virginia National Guard to Washington, D.C., to support President Donald Trump’s initiative aimed at improving cleanliness and public safety in the capital. This decision follows a request from the Trump administration and involves sending between 300 and 400 skilled personnel along with mission-essential equipment and specialized training. The mission will be funded by the federal government.

"West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital," Morrisey stated. He emphasized that the National Guard represents the best of West Virginia and reflects a commitment to a secure America.

The deployment comes after Trump federalized D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, allowing him to take emergency control of the police force for 30 days. This action is part of a broader federal crackdown on crime and homelessness in the city, which has seen an increased presence of National Guard members and federal law enforcement agents, including the FBI and DEA.

Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, the West Virginia Adjutant General, will lead the troops. He expressed readiness to support partners in the National Capital Region, stating, "The National Guard’s unique capabilities and preparedness make it an invaluable partner in this important undertaking."

Since the federalization of the police, nearly 200 arrests have been made in D.C., according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Among those arrested are two homicide suspects, 17 suspected drug traffickers, and 39 suspected illegal gun offenders.

The deployment of the National Guard is part of a larger strategy by the Trump administration to exert tighter control over D.C. This has drawn criticism from local leaders, who argue that violent crime rates are lower than during Trump’s first term. D.C. Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against the administration, calling the federal intervention a "hostile takeover" of the city’s police force.

Protests against the federal presence in D.C. have also emerged, with demonstrators gathering to voice their opposition to what they describe as a military occupation. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concerns about the implications of the federal takeover, stating that the city’s self-governance is facing unprecedented challenges. She urged residents to unite in the fight for democracy, despite the current limitations on their governance.