Trump Says Feds Won't Intervene in Democratic-Led Cities Unless Asked

President instructs Homeland Security to avoid protest involvement without local request

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump announced that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats, unless local authorities specifically request federal assistance. This comes amid growing criticism of the administration's immigration crackdown policies.

Why it matters

The President's directive represents a shift from the administration's previous stance of sending federal agents to cities to confront protests, which had drawn significant backlash. This new approach could ease tensions between the federal government and Democratic-led local governments, but also raises questions about the federal government's role in managing civil unrest.

The details

In a social media post, Trump stated that 'under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat Cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help.' This marks a change from the administration's previous actions, such as sending federal agents to Portland, Oregon to confront protesters.

  • President Trump made the announcement on January 31, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by President Trump.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat Cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (Trump's social media site)

The takeaway

This policy shift could de-escalate tensions between the federal government and Democratic-led cities, but also raises questions about the appropriate role of the federal government in managing civil unrest and protests.