Trump Directs DHS Not to Participate in 'Poorly Run' Dem Cities' Protests

Former President warns local governments they must protect their own property and federal buildings.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump revealed that he instructed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem not to participate in protests and riots in "poorly run Democrat Cities" unless they request federal assistance. Trump warned local governments that they must protect their own state and local property, as well as federal property, or face consequences from ICE, Border Patrol, or the military.

Why it matters

This directive from the former president highlights the ongoing tensions between the federal government and local authorities over the handling of protests and civil unrest. It also raises questions about the balance of power and the role of federal agencies in responding to local issues.

The details

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he told DHS Secretary Noem that the administration will not participate in protests and riots in "various poorly run Democrat Cities" unless they request help. Trump warned that the focus will be on guarding "any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked" by "highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists." He instructed ICE and Border Patrol to be "very forceful" in protecting federal property and said there will be consequences for actions like spitting on or throwing objects at federal agents.

  • On January 31, 2026, Trump made the announcement on Truth Social.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who issued the directive to DHS.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal law enforcement agency.

Border Patrol

A law enforcement arm of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If Local Governments are unable to handle the Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists, we will immediately go to the location where such help is requested, and take care of the situation very easily and methodically, just as we did the Los Angeles riots one year ago, where the Police Chief said that, 'We couldn't have done it without the help of the Federal Government.'”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

It remains to be seen how local governments and law enforcement will respond to Trump's directive, and whether any cities will request federal assistance to handle protests and unrest.

The takeaway

This directive from the former president highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and local authorities over the handling of protests, and raises questions about the appropriate balance of power and the role of federal agencies in responding to local issues.