News Summary
Attorney General Brian Schwalb has launched a lawsuit against President Trump, aiming to halt the National Guard’s deployment in Washington, D.C. The case argues the deployment constitutes an illegal ‘involuntary military occupation’ and violates the D.C. Home Rule Act. Schwalb contends that the National Guard is being misapplied for local policing, raising questions about local governance and federal authority. This legal challenge coincides with a recent ruling regarding military involvement in civilian law enforcement, highlighting ongoing political tensions in the District.
Washington, D.C. – D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, aiming to end the deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. The legal action contends that the deployment is illegal, labeling it an “involuntary military occupation” that violates the D.C. Home Rule Act, which limits the president’s authority over local law enforcement.
In his lawsuit, Schwalb argues that the National Guard has been misused for local policing purposes, exceeding Trump’s legal jurisdiction. The lawsuit represents D.C.’s most forceful challenge against Trump’s anti-crime measures, which are intended to combat violent crime in the capital.
The timing of this lawsuit coincides with a recent federal court ruling stating that the federal government unlawfully deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This ruling is being appealed by the White House, suggesting a potential precedent that may impact Schwalb’s legal arguments.
The D.C. National Guard operates under presidential command, distinguishing it from National Guard forces in other states. This arrangement raises significant questions about local governance and the extent of federal power in the District of Columbia, where local leaders and the federal government have a complex relationship regarding law enforcement.
Despite the lawsuit, collaboration between D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and President Trump has previously marked their interactions, particularly concerning law enforcement strategies in the city. Mayor Bowser recently signed an executive order aimed at defusing tensions surrounding the National Guard’s presence in D.C. She has expressed a desire to coordinate with federal authorities amid rising concerns over public safety and community relations.
The lawsuit comes at a time when the National Guard’s deployment is contentious. Since President Trump declared a state of emergency on August 11, additional troops from seven other states have supplemented the D.C. National Guard. Reports indicate there are considerations to extend this deployment through 2025, raising alarms for residents and businesses alike.
Schwalb asserts that the continuous military presence has negative repercussions for the District. He claims it has deterred businesses and increased tensions related to public safety, stating that no American city should have military forces operating as local police. While some National Guard personnel are armed, their presence has sparked significant protest and unease among the local populace.
As the 30-day crime emergency declared by the White House approaches its expiration, the future status of the National Guard remains uncertain. The president, through a White House spokesperson, maintains that he is utilizing his lawful authority to protect federal properties and support local law enforcement.
The lawsuit filed in D.C.’s federal district court argues the deployment violates the D.C. Home Rule Act by asserting that this act does not provide Trump with the authority to intervene in local law enforcement matters. Additionally, the suit references a ruling from California that found military involvement in civilian law enforcement activities could violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts such actions.
In the backdrop of these developments, conservative lawmakers are proposing a House bill that would shift the appointment of the D.C. Attorney General from an elected position to a presidential appointment, signaling ongoing political tensions surrounding the issue of crime and public safety in the nation’s capital.
As the legal battle unfolds, many residents remain anxious about the implications for public safety and the potential military role in local governance.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post: D.C. National Guard Troops Lawsuit
- ABC News: D.C. Attorney General Sues to End Federal National Guard
- NBC Washington: D.C. Attorney General Sues Feds to End National Guard Deployment
- WUSA9: D.C. Attorney General Sues Federal Government to Stop National Guard Deployment
- Fox News: D.C. Attorney General Sues Trump Over National Guard Involuntary Military Occupation
- Wikipedia: National Guard of the United States
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
