Up First from NPR Governors and the National Guard, Europe and Ukraine, Texas Redistricting
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Aug 20, 2025 Governors are sending National Guard troops to D.C. to support crime crackdowns, raising questions about politicization. Meanwhile, European leaders contemplate security guarantees for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions. In Texas, redistricting efforts could bolster Republican power in upcoming elections, stirring controversy among Democrats. The podcast delves into the implications of these developments for U.S. security and international relations.
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Guard Deployments Follow Partisan Lines
- Six Republican-led states are sending over 1,100 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., aligned with President Trump's crime declaration.
- Critics say the deployments risk politicizing the Guard and won't address root causes of crime over the long term.
Deployment vs Local Need Contrast
- Many sending states have cities with higher murder rates than D.C., raising questions about resource allocation.
- Experts argue short-term Guard surges rarely produce lasting crime reduction without community investments.
Prioritize Long-Term Crime Strategies
- Use community policing and social services to lower crime rather than short-term force surges.
- Invest in jobs and mental health resources to address long-term drivers of violence.