Washington, D.C., officials have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump. They say that his use of National Guard troops in the city is illegal.
Anadolu English reported, the suit is led by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. It says the deployment breaks the Posse Comitatus Act. This law limits the military’s role in local police work. Schwalb called this a “military occupation” that is unconstitutional. He said it harms residents and weakens democracy.
The troops started patrolling D.C. streets in mid-August 2025. Trump said this helped reduce crime. But the lawsuit says the troops are not needed and may be dangerous. It also states that the city government did not provide approval. The troops are not trained for law enforcement.
Washington DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment, alleging the use of troops without local leaders' consent violates federal law. https://t.co/46CPZSVQYy
— CNN (@CNN) September 4, 2025This action follows a similar case in California. There, a judge ruled that Trump’s June 2025 troop deployment in Los Angeles broke the same law. The White House is fighting that decision.
Read: Trump to Rename Department of Defense to Department of War
D.C.’s lawsuit says that without local approval, the troops violate the city’s independence. Trump plans to send troops to other cities like Chicago and Baltimore.
The lawsuit raises important questions. It is about how much power the federal government has versus local governments. It also questions the role of the military in civilian life. This case could affect future disputes between federal and local authorities.
