Trump Tells Feds to Stay Out of Democratic Cities' Protests

President says federal forces will only intervene if local authorities request help

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:55pm

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President Donald Trump said he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities ask for federal help. Trump stated that under no circumstances will the federal government participate in 'poorly run Democrat Cities' with regard to their protests and/or riots, unless they request assistance. However, he added that federal agencies will powerfully guard any attacked federal buildings.

Why it matters

This order comes amid growing criticism of the Trump administration's use of federal forces to intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities. The move signals a shift in the federal government's approach, potentially de-escalating tensions in places like Minnesota's Twin Cities region, where there have been clashes between protesters and immigration enforcement officers.

The details

Trump said he has directed ICE, Border Patrol, and other federal agencies to be 'very forceful' in protecting federal government property, but will not intervene in local protests unless requested by city leaders. The administration has previously deployed the National Guard and federal law enforcement to Democratic areas, including Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. However, state and local officials have challenged these tactics, arguing they violate constitutional protections.

  • On February 1, 2026, President Trump made the announcement aboard Air Force One.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

Keith Ellison

The Attorney General of Minnesota, who has challenged federal immigration enforcement surges in the state.

Tom Homan

Trump's border czar, who has suggested reducing the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota if state and local officials cooperate.

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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

“If they want help, they have to ask for it. Because if we go in, all they do is complain.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

Trump said he plans to speak with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan on Sunday to further discuss the federal government's approach to protests in Democratic-led cities.

The takeaway

This policy shift by the Trump administration could help de-escalate tensions in cities where federal intervention has been a source of controversy, but it also raises questions about the federal government's role in addressing protests and unrest in Democratic-led areas.