DC sues federal government over extended National Guard deployment

The District of Columbia, led by Attorney General Brian Schwalb, is suing the Trump administration to end the deployment of over 2,000 National Guard troops in the city, describing it as an unlawful military occupation causing harm to public safety, local law enforcement, and the economy. The lawsuit argues that President Trump's executive order lacks legal authority to maintain out-of-state troops policing D.C. without local consent, and that military involvement in civilian law enforcement violates federal law. The National Guard members, deputized as special deputy U.S. Marshals, are criticized for not being trained for policing and for straining local police resources. The Trump administration and Justice Department defend the deployment, claiming it reduces crime and enhances safety in the capital, while labeling the lawsuit a political stunt. Judge Jia Cobb is reviewing arguments from both sides without making an immediate ruling, and the case highlights tensions over federal versus local control in D.C. amid ongoing debate about the appropriateness and impact of the National Guard presence.