Washington DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment

Sep 05, 2025

National
Washington DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment

Washington [US], September 5: Washington DC has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of National Guard troops in the capital.
Washington DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on September 4 in federal court, asking the court to block the deployment of the National Guard on the grounds that the move is unconstitutional and violates multiple federal laws, according to Reuters.
"Armed soldiers should not be surveilling American citizens on American soil," Mr. Schwalb wrote in a post on the X platform.
"Forcible military control in the District of Columbia violates our local autonomy and fundamental liberties. This must end," said Schwalb.
The lawsuit, which is being heard by federal judge Jia Cobb, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, presents a further legal challenge to the Trump administration's expansion of the military's role on U.S. soil.
The White House has not commented on the information. Previously, Mr. Trump also faced a lawsuit related to the deployment of the National Guard to the state of California.
Last month, President Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington DC, declaring the administration would "restore law, order, and public safety." White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson asserted that the president has the legal authority to deploy the military to protect federal property and support law enforcement.
"This lawsuit is nothing more than another attempt - at the expense of Washington, DC residents and visitors - to undermine President Trump's incredibly successful efforts to curb violent crime in DC," Ms. Jackson said.
Mr. Trump has repeatedly warned of expanding the federal crackdown in Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, Illinois. He has argued that using presidential power to fight crime is urgent.
However, there are also parties that believe this could cause tension between the military and the people.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper