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Massive Demonstrations Against Federal Troop Presence
Thousands of protesters marched through Washington D.C. on September 7, 2025, demanding the immediate withdrawal of National Guard troops deployed by President Trump. The demonstration, organized by civil rights groups and local activists, saw participants carrying banners reading "End the Occupation" as they marched approximately 3 kilometers from Meridian Hill Park to Freedom Plaza near the White House.
Controversial Deployment Sparks Outrage
President Trump ordered approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. in mid-August 2025, citing the need to address "excessive crime in the city." The deployment included armored vehicles stationed in the city center and barricades erected around government buildings. However, crime statistics from the Washington D.C. police department show that overall crime has decreased by 7% compared to the previous year, with violent crimes down by 26%.
Legal and Political Challenges
The deployment has faced significant criticism from legal experts and local officials. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser accused Trump of "an authoritarian move," while constitutional scholars have raised concerns about potential violations of the 12Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic law enforcement. The controversy follows a September 2 federal court ruling that found Trump\'s deployment of troops to Los Angeles illegal under the same act.
Broader Pattern of Military Deployment
This marks the second major deployment of federal forces under Trump\'s second administration. In June 2025, Trump sent 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid protests against immigration raids. The president has also threatened to deploy troops to Chicago, calling the city "a mess" with an "incompetent mayor." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has instructed local police not to cooperate with National Guard patrols or arrests should troops be deployed.
Public Opposition and Polling
Recent polling indicates nearly 80% of Washington D.C. residents oppose the military deployment. The troops were mobilized primarily from Republican-led states, many of which have cities with higher crime rates than Washington D.C. Before the military intervention, crime statistics showed D.C. at a 30-year low in criminal activity.
