The Denver Post reports that Colorado leaders are bracing for the possibility of Donald Trump sending National Guard troops into Denver to restore order. Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston immediately vowed to sue if Trump follows through, calling it a federal overreach. To “prepare,” Polis signed a law barring out-of-state Guard units from entering Colorado without his permission – though the law can’t stop Trump from federalizing Colorado’s own Guard.
But here’s the real story: none of this legal jousting would even be on the table if the Colorado General Assembly and local leaders actually cared about public safety. Instead of arresting criminals and enforcing existing laws, they’ve let things rot to the point where a presidential troop deployment isn’t unthinkable. That’s the failure driving this circus.
The Bullet Point Brief
- Trump may deploy the National Guard to Denver – Polis and Johnston are already lawyering up to stop him.
- Polis signed a law to block “unwelcome” out-of-state Guard troops, but it can’t stop Trump from federalizing Colorado’s own Guard.
- Federal immigration raids in Colorado are already on the rise, underscoring how state leaders are asleep at the switch on public safety.
- The General Assembly loves performative laws but refuses to do the basics: arrest violent criminals, back cops, and keep order.
- This showdown wouldn’t exist if lawmakers did their jobs. Instead, they’ve let crime and chaos fester until the feds have to step in.
My Bottom Line
Forget Polis’ grandstanding bill – the headline is that Trump might actually send troops into Denver. That is a sign of just how far Colorado’s leaders have failed. A state that once prided itself on independence now needs the White House to keep order because the General Assembly refuses to.
This whole mess is what happens when politicians play activist instead of doing their jobs. You want fewer “unwelcome” troops? Then stop welcoming crime. Enforce the law. Arrest the bad guys. Support law enforcement. But no – Colorado’s leaders would rather sue Trump than stop criminals. And that’s why the Guard might be on its way.
