CLEMSON, S.C. — The South Carolina Supreme Court is deciding whether Gov. Henry McMaster overstepped his authority in sending National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. in 2025.
The justices heard arguments Tuesday at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.
McMaster ordered the deployments in support of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on crime in D.C.
The South Carolina Public Interest Foundation sued the governor, saying troops can only be deployed for war, insurrection, riots or public disasters.
The foundation also argues that officials in Washington never requested assistance from South Carolina troops and that McMaster’s decision to deploy them placed members in a law enforcement role outside of what is authorized by state law.
The justices did not issue a ruling Tuesday. Written decisions typically come weeks or months after arguments are heard.
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