The Scoop

Democrats Face Backlash After Photos Of National Guards Sleeping In Parking Garage Goes Viral

By • January 23, 2021 5:34 pm

Democrats are receiving backlash online after photos of National Guards enduring poor conditions and sleeping in parking garages at near-freezing temperatures emerged online.

About 14,000 National Guard troops were reportedly deployed in Washington D.C. — per the demand of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — to secure the nation’s capital on the day of Joe Biden’s inauguration. Various reports noted however, that the Democratic Speaker did not provide a “logistical plan” on the arrangements for the troops.

“Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service,” a National Guardsmen reportedly told Politico. “Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed.”

“All National Guard troops were told to vacate the Capitol and nearby congressional buildings on Thursday, and to set up mobile command centers outside or in nearby hotels, another Guardsman confirmed,” the publication added. “They were told to take their rest breaks during their 12-hour shifts outside and in parking garages, the person said.”

Republicans slam Democratic leadership

Republicans and critics slammed Democrats — who now controls the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives — for what they said are “inhumane” and “shameful” treatment of National Guard members. Some governors later on decided to pull out their troops from D.C.

“Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer — why are American troops who are tasked with keeping security at the Capitol being forced to sleep in a parking lot?” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy tweeted. “They deserve to be treated with respect, and we deserve answers.”

“The photo op is over. @JoeBiden used our troops as props. Administrations change. Career politicians don’t,” combat veteran Sean Parnell wrote.

“This is happening in Nancy Pelosi’s House, Chuck Schumer’s Senate, and Joe Biden’s America,” tweeted Rep. Michelle Fischbach’s communications adviser Jake Schneider.

“Joe Biden and all Dems hate our troops!!!”another comment read. 

Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany pointed out an earlier remark by Rep. Steve Cohen, that members of the National Guard could pose a security threat to Biden  — claiming that most of them “likely voted” for former president Donald Trump.

“On Monday, a Democrat congressman said most of the National Guard likely voted for Trump and were therefore security threats,” McEnany wrote. “Last night, our National Guardsmen were banished to a parking garage. They are HEROES & deserve better than this!!!”

Other GOP lawmakers also expressed their dismay over the “outrageous” treatment of National Guardsmen and offered their offices to the troops.

“Simply unacceptable. You’re always welcome in my office,” Sen. Joni Ernst wrote on Twitter. “As a former Iowa National Guard member, I know how hard it is to wear those boots. Thank you for your service everyday.”

“We should be grateful to the members of the National Guard who are here securing the Capitol,” Sen. Marco Rubio tweeted. “I don’t know who ordered them to go sleep in a garage and can’t understand why they would do that. It needs to be reversed.”

“This is unacceptable,” Sen. Rick Scott said on Twitter. “These men and women are serving our nation and should be treated with the respect they deserve. I have directed my team to help in any way we can, including offering our office space in D.C., to support these brave individuals in their mission.”

Sen. Tom Cotton argued that there is “plenty of room for troops to break in” within Capitol Hill. 

Governors pull out troops from D.C.

Republican governors of Florida, New Hampshire and Texas decided to recall members of their state National Guard from Washington as the photos of the substandard living conditions offered to their troops emerged. 

“I have instructed General Norris to order the return of the Texas National Guard to our state. @TexasGuard,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote.

“Last night, I ordered our Adjutant General to bring Florida National Guard soldiers home from the National Capital Region,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

He also reportedly told  South Florida Sun-Sentinel that  the assignment was “half-cocked mission” and that National Guard members “are soldiers; they are not Nancy Pelosi’s servants.”

Gov. Chris Sununu said he also ordered the immediate pullout of the state troops from the nation’s capital. 

“I’ve ordered the immediate return of all New Hampshire National Guard from Washington DC. They did an outstanding job serving our nation’s capital in a time of strife and should be graciously praised, not subject to substandard conditions. @NHNationalGuard,” he said.

Meanwhile, as Democrats got ripped for the issue on the treatment of National Guard members, videos also emerged of the hotel owned by former president Trump appearing to serve as a resting area for local police officers in D.C.

“A heart full of gratitude to all our law enforcement officers…Enjoy America’s Living Room and great having you all with us… @DCPoliceDept,” Trump International Hotel’s managing director Mickael Damelincourt wrote.

 

Cameron Shizznit


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