The city of Washington, D.C. has taken President Donald Trump and the U.S. military to court, challenging what it describes as an “illegal and dangerous” use of the National Guard in the capital.
Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the city, condemned the deployment as both “unnecessary and unwanted.” He warned that allowing federal troops to police civilian streets sets a troubling precedent. “It’s DC today, but it could be any city tomorrow,” Schwalb said, adding that the action amounts to federal overreach and threatens residents’ safety.
The lawsuit argues that Trump has violated a cornerstone of American democracy — keeping the military out of domestic law enforcement. NBC reported that the complaint accuses Trump of disregarding the long-standing principle that soldiers should never be used as police.
This legal move follows a ruling earlier in the week by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in California, who determined that the Trump administration breached the Posse Comitatus Act, which explicitly bars the military from performing civilian policing duties. Court records revealed that in June, federal authorities deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to assist with immigration and narcotics operations.
Despite mounting backlash, Trump’s administration is reportedly preparing to extend the National Guard’s presence in Washington until December. A senior official told CNN that the deployment forms part of Trump’s anti-crime push in the capital.
Defending the plan, a White House spokesperson said, “President Trump is committed to the long-term safety and security of Washington, DC, for both residents and visitors.”
The lawsuit, combined with reports of extended troop presence, has intensified national debate over the president’s reliance on military force in domestic affairs. Critics say the move undermines democratic norms, while Trump’s supporters argue it is necessary to restore order and security.
As Washington formally challenges the administration in court, the clash over the role of the U.S. military in domestic law enforcement is expected to escalate in the coming months.