Over 50 Protest DeWine's Support for Trump's National Guard Move

Protesters Gather in Columbus to Oppose National Guard Deployment to Washington, D.C.

More than 50 individuals gathered in Columbus on Sunday to protest the decision by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to send 150 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. The demonstration was a response to President Donald Trump’s request for additional federal forces to bolster security in the capital. The rally took place on South High Street in front of the Ohio Statehouse, starting at 3 p.m. on August 17.

The protesters carried homemade signs and chanted slogans such as "O-H-I-O, Donald Trump has got to go" and "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA." They were organized by Ohio 50501, the central Ohio chapter of a national group that has consistently opposed Trump's policies. Earlier in the day, the group announced on Facebook that it would be holding a protest against DeWine’s decision to deploy the troops, which he had made public on August 16.

"We will not stand by as Mike DeWine sends our national guard troops to further militarize DC," the group stated on its social media page. The group emphasized that the deployment was an attempt to increase the presence of military police in the district, which they viewed as an overreach of power.

Governor DeWine explained that the Secretary of the Army had requested the 150 military police members to support the District of Columbia National Guard. He noted that these personnel would be conducting presence patrols and providing additional security. DeWine also clarified that none of the soldiers currently serve as law enforcement officers in Ohio.

DeWine joined other Republican governors, including those from South Carolina and West Virginia, in sending National Guard troops to D.C. This move came after President Trump announced on August 11 that he would deploy National Guard forces to take over the district’s police force to address rising crime. However, data indicates that violent crime in the city has been declining compared to previous years. Trump has also suggested that other cities with Democratic leadership could be next.

While the president has authority over the D.C. National Guard, state-level guards are ultimately under the control of their respective governors. In response to questions about the situation, U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty, a Democrat representing Columbus, expressed her disappointment in DeWine’s decision. She criticized Trump’s actions, stating that they were not about addressing crime but rather about creating fear and diverting attention from the administration’s failures.

“Let's be clear: Trump's actions are not about addressing crime. They are about instilling fear in our communities and distracting from the failed tariff policies, unlawful actions, and lack of transparency from this administration,” Beatty said. She added that the National Guard members signed up to serve their country, not a leader who has repeatedly ignored constitutional principles.

In contrast, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno’s office issued a statement supporting DeWine’s decision. Reagan McCarthy, Moreno’s spokeswoman, stated that the senator believes the situation in Washington, D.C., is out of control and that local leaders have not been able to ensure safety. She praised Trump for taking bold action to make the city safer and commended DeWine for providing support.

The protest highlighted the growing tensions between state and federal authorities, as well as the political divisions surrounding the use of National Guard resources. As the debate continues, the role of state governors in responding to federal requests remains a significant point of contention.