Republican governors are ordering their National Guard troops home from DC amid backlash over members resting in a parking garage
- Several Republican governors said they're ordering their National Guard members to return home from DC, amid reports that the Guardsmen have endured poor conditions.
- The governors of Florida, Montana, New Hampshire, and Texas have recently complained about the way the troops were treated.
- Over 20,000 Guardsmen were sent to Washington, DC, following the US Capitol insurrection on January 6 and ahead of President Joe Biden's inauguration.
Several Republican governors are recalling their National Guard troops from Washington, DC, in the wake of reports they were subjected to subpar conditions and poor treatment.
On Thursday and Friday, Govs. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Chris Sununu of New Hampshire, and Greg Abbott of Texas all announced they were ordering their troops home.
Some 20,000 Guardsman arrived in DC to help with security for President Joe Biden's inauguration just two weeks after Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol and killed a police officer.
The orders came after photos showed thousands of troops sleeping in a parking garage on Thursday after being told to leave the Capitol. The images sparked outrage from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who demanded an investigation.
The Guardsmen were also previously photographed sleeping on the floor of the Capitol in the days leading up to the inauguration.
Politico quoted one member saying morale among the troops was low because of the long hours and rough conditions.
"The treatment we've received lately and the Covid symptoms we face are taking their toll. Especially as it becomes clear to us that we are no longer wanted," the person told Politico. "It's shameful."
Some of the Republican governors were also incensed that the troops underwent background checks ahead of the inauguration due to fears of an inside attack. In total, 12 members were removed from the mission. Abbott slammed the measures as a "political correctness test."
As Business Insider reported, Biden apologized to the National Guard chief for the incident, and First Lady Jill Biden paid them a visit with chocolate chip cookies. BBC News reported that the troops were eventually allowed to return to the Capitol building on Thursday.
According to the BBC, only an estimated 7,000 National guard members are set to remain in DC, possibly until March 12.
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