The President of the United States, including Donald Trump, has the legal authority to activate the National Guard under specific circumstances. This authority comes from the U.S. Constitution and various federal laws, such as Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
The President of the United States, including Donald Trump, has the legal authority to activate the National Guard under specific circumstances. This authority comes from the U.S. Constitution and various federal laws, such as Title 10 of the U.S. Code.
Key points about a president’s authority to activate the National Guard:
- Dual Status: The National Guard is a unique military force with a dual status. At a state level, it is commanded by the state governor. The President can federalize these units, placing them under federal control.
- District of Columbia: Unlike state National Guard units, the District of Columbia National Guard is under the direct control of the President, not the city’s mayor.
- Legal Justifications: Presidents can federalize the National Guard to enforce federal law, suppress insurrections or rebellions, or respond to an invasion.
Instances of National Guard Activation by Donald Trump:
- January 6, 2021: During the attack on the U.S. Capitol, the D.C. National Guard was activated. There was public debate and scrutiny over the timing of the activation and the chain of command.
- Recent Events in Washington, D.C.: In August 2025, the U.S. military is preparing for the potential activation of hundreds of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. President Trump has stated his intention to address crime and homelessness in the city and has vowed to make it “safer and more beautiful.” Washington’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, has publicly questioned the need for the National Guard, stating that violent crime is down in the city.
- Protests in Los Angeles: In June 2025, President Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles to respond to protests against immigration enforcement. This was a controversial move, as it was done without the request—and over the objections of—California’s governor, Gavin Newsom. The administration cited Title 10 authority to place the troops under federal command for the purpose of protecting federal personnel and property.
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National Guard Activation: A Summary of Key Points
| Event | Date / Period | Purpose | Controversy / Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Inauguration | January 2017 | Securing national event | Standard procedure |
| Southern Border Deployment | April 2018 | Border security, immigration crisis | Seen as a symbolic gesture |
| Protests (George Floyd) | Summer 2020 | Controlling protests, civil unrest | High controversy over use of force |
| COVID-19 Response | March 2020 onwards | Assisting in medical and logistical support | Mixed reviews on effectiveness |
| Capitol Insurrection | January 6, 2021 | Restoring order, securing the Capitol | Delayed response and criticism |
After the election, Trump floated the idea of deploying the National Guard to certain battleground states to challenge the results, although this never materialized. There was also speculation about using the Guard to enforce his claims of election fraud, but legal and political backlash prevented these ideas from gaining traction.
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