Supreme Court of South Carolina (SCOSC) Hears Arguments to Determine Legality of Gov. McMaster's National Guard Deployment to District of Columbia

Sep 15, 2026 05:21 PM EDT, Tue

SC Supreme Court Hears Challenge To McMaster’s National Guard Deployment

Sep 15, 2026 #SouthCarolina #SupremeCourt #NationalGuard The South Carolina Supreme Court hears oral arguments at Clemson University in a challenge to Governor Henry McMaster’s deployment of South Carolina National Guard members to Washington, D.C.

In Case No. 2026-000032, the South Carolina Public Interest Foundation and James Weninger contend McMaster’ exceeded his legal authority when he authorized the deployment.

The defendants are McMaster’, in his official capacity as governor, and Major General Robin B. Stilwell, in his official capacity as adjutant general of the South Carolina National Guard.

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs include lawyers from the ACLU of South Carolina, The Carpenter Law Firm and Protect Democracy. The governor and adjutant general are represented by their respective legal offices.

South Carolina Senate President Thomas Alexander and House Speaker Murrell Smith filed an amicus brief in the case. Several environmental, conservation and voting-rights organizations also participated as amici curiae.

Read more South Carolina legal and political coverage at FITSNews.

Case: South Carolina Public Interest Foundation and James Weninger v. Henry McMaster and Major General Robin B. Stilwell Case No.: 2026-000032 Location: Clemson University

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Gov. Henry McMaster Authorizes Deployment of National Guard to Washington, D.C. / S.C. Governor Henry McMaster

August 16, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today authorized the deployment of 200 South Carolina National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C. The guardsmen will support federal law enforcement activities under President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to Restore Law and Order in the District of Columbia.

The guardsmen are subject to immediate recall if a hurricane or other natural disaster requires their return to South Carolina.

“South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation’s capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “As our National Guard works to support President Trump’s mission, should a hurricane or natural disaster threaten our state, these men and women can and will be immediately recalled home to respond.”

The governor’s order comes at the request of the Pentagon’s National Guard Bureau. The deployment will be funded by the federal government under Title 32.

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