DC Sues Trump over Military Takeover
People for the American Way

(September 3, 2025) — Breaking news: The District of Columbia has just filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump over his deployment of thousands of National Guard troops across the city. ^[1]

This comes on the heels of a major defeat for Trump: earlier this week, a federal judge in California ruled his use of the National Guard in Los Angeles was unlawful. The momentum is building against his authoritarian overreach – and Congress needs to act. ^[2]

Let’s be clear: Trump is abusing his power to punish cities led by Democratic mayors, roll back self-governance, and normalize the use of the military as a domestic police force – steps toward authoritarianism that cannot be ignored.

Troops have been stationed at subway stops, posted around landmarks, and even tasked with routine duties like picking up trash at public parks – all under the guise of a “public safety emergency.”

But lawsuits alone won’t be enough. Trump is already promising to expand his military occupation to other cities like Baltimore and Chicago. If Congress doesn’t intervene, his power grab could spread further and faster.

You’ve already taken action by signing the petition calling on Congress to end Trump’s takeover of DC – thank you. Now we need your help to spread the word and bring more people into this fight.

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Trump’s actions are illegal, dangerous, and a direct threat to democracy itself. Together, we can send a clear message: the military must never be used as a political weapon to police American streets.

In solidarity,
The team at People For the American Way

Sources:

[1] “D.C. Sues Trump Administration Over Deployment of National Guard” The New York Times, 9/4/25

[2] “Judge Says Trump’s Use of Troops in L.A. Is Illegal” The New York Time, 9/2/25