NC is deploying its National Guard, but not to fight DC crime

Danielle Battaglia, The News & Observer on Aug 20, 2025

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Governors from six states have joined the movement to federalize Washington’s police force by deploying around 1,000 National Guard troops to the nation’s capital.

Will North Carolina get involved?

Don’t count on it.

Under state law, Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, is the National Guard’s commander in chief. Only Stein has power to call on the National Guard.

North Carolina’s National Guard

North Carolina’s National Guard is made up of more than 10,000 personnel and can trace its roots back to the 1663 Carolina Charter, meaning it’s been around longer than the United States.

State law gives Stein authority to use the National Guard for several purposes including executing state laws, securing a person or property’s safety, suppressing riots or insurrections, repelling invasions or providing disaster relief.

On Wednesday, Stein announced during a news conference he deployed 200 National Guard troops to the coastline to help with Hurricane Erin preparation and response.

“National Guard troops are pre-positioned to help eastern North Carolina as Hurricane Erin impacts the coast,” said Kate Frauenfelder. “These brave men and women are needed here at home – not in D.C.”

North Carolina is under a state of emergency due to Hurricane Erin.

Why Washington?

President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” in Washington on Aug. 11, and federalized the city’s police force under Section 740 of the Washington’s Home Rule Act. This provision allows the president to request the Metropolitan Police Department’s service for 30 days, or the duration of an emergency, during special emergencies.

He also deployed 800 of Washington’s National Guard troops to the city. The six state’s troops bring that number closer to 2,000. Those states include South Carolina, Mississippi, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee and Louisiana.

His decision to militarize Washington has been met with consternation and protests by Washington residents. Though some Washington influencers have been photographing the lighter side of the moment, with the guardsmen posing for photos with tourists along the mall.

Attack on federal employee

Trump’s decision came a week after former DOGE employee Edward Coristine, 19, known better as “Big Balls,” was the victim of an attempted carjacking and assault by 10 juveniles around 3 a.m. in Dupont Circle, a neighborhood in northwest Washington named after its landmark traffic circle.

Trump told reporters that Coristine, who now works for the Social Security Administration, got “the hell knocked out of him.”

And on Truth Social, Trump’s own social media platform, he posted a picture of the bloodied employee and said crime in Washington is “totally out of control,” accusing teenagers under 16 of “randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Civilians.”

Washington’s crime rate is reported to be at a 30-year low.

Congressional action

Unlike in the states, Washington’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has no authority over Washington’s National Guard. Instead that falls to the president. Bowser can request the National Guard through the president.

There is no limit to how long Trump can keep the National Guard deployed, but his authority over Metropolitan Police Department ends Sept. 10. If the president wants to continue past that date, he needs congressional approval.

Both House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have offered their support for Trump’s actions, though Democrats are opposed.

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, of Southern Pines, “saluted” Trump on social media for his efforts in reducing Washington’s crime. Rep. Tim Moore, a Republican from Kings Mountain, thanked the president on social media, saying North Carolinians should be fearful for their safety when in Washington.

Rep. Valerie Foushee, a Democrat from Hillsborough, called Trump’s actions “a power grab.”

“Once again, Trump is prioritizing political games and sowing fear in our communities over lowering the cost of living for everyday Americans,” Foushee wrote on social media.

Both the House and Senate are on their annual August recess, but are expected to return Sept. 2. Lawmakers have a hefty to-do list ahead of them that includes passing 12 appropriations bills before a Sept. 30 deadline, or risking a government shutdown.