COLUMBIA — The S.C. National Guard returned home Sept. 20 after nearly a month in Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump’s “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” mission.

Their deployment of some 200 troops sparked both praise and skepticism, with critics questioning the utility and purpose, particularly during hurricane season.

State officials, including Gov. Henry McMaster, praised the operation’s outcome.

“South Carolina National Guard again is regarded all around the country as being superior,” McMaster said after a press conference Sept. 26 .

McMaster’s spokesperson, Brandon Charochak, called the mission “highly successful,” and wrote that the governor was thankful for the troop’s professionalism and dedication to restoring “law and order in our nation's capital.”

Critic

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