Trump Instructs Noem to Avoid Dem Cities Unless Requested

Former president warns local governments must protect their own property or face federal intervention.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a lengthy Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to avoid interfering in Democratic-led cities unless local authorities request federal assistance. Trump warned that any damage to federal property would be met with a forceful response from federal agents or the military.

Why it matters

Trump's message reflects ongoing tensions between the federal government and local authorities over the handling of protests and civil unrest. It also highlights the former president's continued efforts to position himself as a law-and-order figure, even after leaving office.

The details

Trump said he has told Noem that federal agents will only protect federal buildings and property, and that local governments must take responsibility for safeguarding their own state and local facilities. He warned that if local authorities are "unable to handle the Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists," the federal government will intervene, but only if local leaders use the word "PLEASE." Trump also threatened harsh consequences for anyone who damages federal property, including potential involvement from ICE, Border Patrol, or the military.

  • Trump posted the message on Truth Social on January 31, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who issued the directive to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of Homeland Security, who Trump instructed to avoid interfering in Democratic-led cities unless requested.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, 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.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“We will, however, guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid Lunatics, Agitators, and Insurrectionists.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

It remains to be seen if local authorities in Democratic-led cities will request federal assistance from the Noem-led Department of Homeland Security, or if Trump's warning will deter any potential unrest.

The takeaway

Trump's message underscores the ongoing political tensions between the federal government and local authorities over issues of law enforcement and civil unrest. It also highlights the former president's continued efforts to position himself as a tough-on-crime figure, even after leaving office.