West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced early Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, that more than 300 members of the state's National Guard would be deployed to Washington, D.C. The deployment follows President Donald Trump's announcement that his administration would take over Washington’s police department for at least a month.

The Republican governors of West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio announced Saturday they will send National Guard troops to Washington, DC, in an escalation of President Donald Trump’s efforts to federally take over law enforcement in the city.

Governor Patrick Morrisey said in Saturday's statement: "West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation's capital. The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America."

West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio are sending several hundred National Guard troops to Washington to bolster the federal deployment that President Donald Trump has ordered in his effort to reduce crime in the nation’s capital.

Morrisey said the deployment includes hundreds of “skilled personnel” at the request of the Trump administration.