President Donald Trump has returned from a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, while his administration continues its focus on reducing violent crime in Washington, D.C. As part of this initiative, several states are sending National Guard members to the capital.

On Saturday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the deployment of 200 National Guard members to Washington. He stated that the guardsmen will assist federal law enforcement under Trump’s executive order aimed at restoring law and order in the District of Columbia. McMaster emphasized that the troops would return to South Carolina if a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, threatens the state.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also confirmed that 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard will be sent to D.C. at the request of the U.S. Army secretary. DeWine noted that these guardsmen will conduct presence patrols and enhance security, clarifying that none of them are currently serving as law enforcement officers in Ohio. The Ohio National Guard members are expected to arrive in Washington in the coming days.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that he is deploying 300 to 400 National Guard members to support Trump’s crime-fighting efforts. He stated that this request came from the Trump administration. Morrisey expressed his commitment to a secure America, saying, "At the request of the Trump administration, I have directed the @WVNationalGuard to support the President’s initiative to make D.C. safe and beautiful."

In a related development, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a revised directive on Friday regarding the leadership of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in D.C. Following a legal challenge from local officials, the new order reinstates MPD Chief Pamela Smith as the head of the police force. The original directive had attempted to appoint Drug Enforcement Administration head Terry Cole as the "emergency police commissioner," which was met with opposition.

Bondi's updated directive clarifies that Cole will serve as a "designee" to assist D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in providing federal law enforcement services. This includes support for federal immigration law and assistance in locating and detaining individuals unlawfully present in the country.

These developments come amid ongoing discussions about law enforcement and public safety in the nation’s capital, as local leaders and the federal government navigate the complexities of crime reduction efforts.