WASHINGTON, DC — As the Trump administration's oppressive actions in Washington, DC reach a one-year mark - including the unnecessary deployment of the National Guard to the District - the League of Women Voters today renewed its call for federal leaders to end this deployment, providing relief to both DC residents and National Guardsmen, and pass DC statehood.
On August 11, 2025, National Guard members from DC and across the country were stationed in the nation’s capital despite the objections of local leaders and residents alike. One year later, their continued presence should not be normalized. The prolonged deployment is unnecessary, costly, and underscores why DC residents deserve the same rights of self-governance and full voting representation in Congress as every other American.
"The continued military occupation in DC should concern everyone who believes in democracy,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters. "District residents pay taxes, serve their communities, and fulfill all of the responsibilities of citizenship, yet they are still denied the same voice and representation as people living in states. This unwelcome and unnecessary occupation makes painfully clear why DC statehood is not just a local issue—it’s fundamental to protecting democracy."
"Those living and working in the District of Columbia deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods without being treated as though they live in a city under military occupation," said Anne Stauffer, president of the League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia. "Our communities know what they need. We need investments in people, services, and community-based solutions — not troops deployed over the objections of residents, and several of whom are being unnecessarily separated from their own homes and families. DC statehood would help ensure that our voices cannot be ignored this way again."
After one year, this deployment must not become the new normal. DC residents deserve self-governance, and National Guard members deserve to serve in missions where they can meaningfully contribute to the country and their communities. The League urges the Trump administration to end this deployment, calls on governors to bring their National Guard members home, and calls on Congress to pass DC statehood legislation for the more than 700,000 people who call the District home.
About the League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.
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