Congressman Andy Barr supports Trump’s deployment of National Guard to D.C.; critics cite civil overreach concerns

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr is supporting President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., citing crime and a recent daylight robbery targeting a Kentuckian working for his office. “Just like he cleaned up the border, President Trump will clean up D.C.,” Barr said, arguing the capital deserves better amid concerns of crime, corruption, and homelessness.

However, critics are warning that the move raises serious civil liberties concerns. While Trump justifies the deployment during a “crime emergency,” official data shows D.C.’s violent crime rates are at a 30-year low. The deployment not only brings additional federal forces but also places the Metropolitan Police Department under the command of the Attorney General—a shift many see as a troubling erosion of local autonomy, according to a report by the Associated Press

Legal experts and civil rights advocates argue this could set a dangerous precedent, blurring the line between military and civilian law enforcement.