Trump Directs DHS to Avoid Protests in Democratic Cities

President says federal agencies will only assist if local authorities formally request help

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:15am

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US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to intervene in protests and riots in Democratic-led cities unless local authorities formally request federal assistance. Trump stated that federal agencies will continue to protect federal buildings and property, but will not proactively participate in local protests and unrest unless explicitly asked by city leaders.

Why it matters

This directive from the President represents an escalation in the ongoing tensions between the federal government and Democratic-led cities over issues like immigration enforcement and the handling of protests. It raises questions about the balance of power between federal and local authorities, and could impact how future demonstrations and civil unrest are managed across the country.

The details

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he has instructed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem that federal agencies will not participate in protests and riots in Democratic cities "unless, and until, they ask us for help." However, he said federal authorities will strongly protect any federal buildings or property that are attacked. Trump criticized local governments for failing to contain recent incidents, citing a break-in at a federal building in Eugene, Oregon. He warned that if local leaders do not act, he could invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military.

  • On February 1, 2026, President Trump issued the directive to DHS.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who issued the directive to the Department of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Eugene Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Eugene, Oregon that responded to the incident at a federal building that Trump referenced.

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What they’re saying

“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, President of the United States

“It is your obligation to also protect our Federal Property, Buildings, Parks, and everything else. We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The President's directive raises the possibility that he could invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to quell protests and unrest in Democratic-led cities if local authorities do not request federal assistance.

The takeaway

This move by President Trump represents an escalation in the ongoing political tensions between the federal government and Democratic-led cities over issues like immigration enforcement and the handling of protests. It underscores the complex balance of power between federal and local authorities, and could have significant implications for how future demonstrations and civil unrest are managed across the country.