Washington, DC files lawsuit to stop Trump deployment of National Guard | Donald Trump News

DC attorney general says ongoing deployment in US capital is illegal, as Trump floats sending troops to more cities.

The attorney general of Washington, DC has filed a legal challenge to US President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to the country’s capital.

In a post on X on Thursday, Brian Schwalb said the deployment is illegal without the consent of local authorities. He said it also violates a federal law that prevents the military from “engaging in domestic policing”.

“The harms to the district are immense,” Schwalb continued. “National Guard units are operating without lawful authority and without law enforcement training.

“They create confusion, sow fear, erode trust, inflame tensions, and harm the crucial relationship between police and communities they serve,” he said.

NEW: We are suing to block the unlawful deployment of National Guard troops to DC.

Armed soldiers should not be policing American citizens on American soil.

The forced military occupation of the District of Columbia violates our local autonomy and basic freedoms. It must end.

— AG Brian Schwalb (@DCAttorneyGen) September 4, 2025

The Trump administration has given no clear timeline on when the deployment, which began in mid-August, will end.

He has framed the deployment as part of a wider effort to crack down on crime and to help beautify public spaces.

In declaring a “crime emergency” in August, the Trump administration also took control of local police in Washington, DC, which is a federal district but maintains some self-governance via the Home Rule Act of 1973.

Local officials have said more funding from Congress, and not an increase in federal control, would better help to address crime in the long term.

Trump’s actions came despite federal data showing crime has actually been on the decline in the city.

Earlier this week, a federal judge ruled it was illegal for Trump to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles, California in June.

Trump has increasingly suggested deploying the National Guard to other Democratic-run cities, including Chicago and New Orleans.