Tennessee Governor Expresses Willingness to Send National Guard Troops to D.C.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stated on Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s federal law enforcement is prepared to deploy National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. as part of an ongoing federal operation there.

Lee mentioned a conversation he had with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, indicating that there was a request for troops to be sent to the capital. “We were definitely willing to collaborate on their needs. I can’t comment on the current situation, but the requests were…interesting, and I showed interest,” Lee remarked during a press briefing following a ceremony for the Australia-owned Barrett Firearms facility south of Murfreesboro.

This announcement highlights how the Tennessee State Guard is increasingly available for nearly any request made by the federal government.

Recently, Governor Lee also mobilized security guards to assist federal immigration and customs enforcement as part of efforts related to large-scale deportations. These guards are expected to support logistical needs, allowing federal agents to concentrate more on apprehending immigrants without permanent residency status during an intensified crackdown.

Alongside his deportation initiatives, Trump has directed the federal government to assume control of the Washington, D.C. police. This move faced criticism from local officials, especially as the city reported a significant reduction in crime last year.

Under federal regulations, the president can oversee police operations for up to 30 days, but there are provisions for that timeframe to be extended.

Terry Cole, the administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, reportedly stated that federal forces would be “embedded” with the D.C. Metropolitan Police.