South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office is co-leading a coalition of 23 states in support of President Donald Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C. The move comes as part of an amicus brief filed in the case District of Columbia v. Trump.
“South Carolina is proud to lead the charge on this issue,” Wilson said. “From James Madison to Abraham Lincoln, presidents have defended our capital in times of crisis. President Trump is doing exactly what the Founders intended, protecting the seat of government when it’s under threat. The federal government has not only the right but the responsibility to keep our nation’s capital safe for the American people. When local officials fail, the president must act, and history and the Constitution back him up.”
The brief highlights an increase in violent crime in Washington, D.C., including incidents such as carjackings and assaults against members of Congress and embassy officials. It argues that President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops led to a significant reduction in violent crime within weeks, a change reportedly acknowledged by city officials.
“America cannot succeed if its capital is unsafe,” Wilson stated. “That’s why we’re leading this effort, because protecting D.C. protects all of us. I also want to thank Governor Henry McMaster for sending members of the South Carolina National Guard to D.C. to help.”