The ‘ask us’ doctrine outlined by President Donald Trump is reshaping how federal authority responds to unrest in Democrat-run cities, as protests and riots continue to flare in far-left states. Under the policy, federal law enforcement will stay out unless local leaders formally and respectfully request help, reinforcing state responsibility while drawing a firm line around federal property.
Over the weekend, President Trump announced he instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to keep federal forces out of protest responses unless invited. “I have instructed Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their Protests and/or Riots unless, and until, they ask us for help,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The ask us doctrine does not mean federal inaction. Trump made clear that federal buildings, parks, and courthouses remain under direct federal protection. “The federal government will guard, and very powerfully so, any and all Federal Buildings that are being attacked,” he wrote, adding that ICE and Border Patrol have been instructed “to be very forceful in this protection of Federal Government Property.”
Trump warned that assaults on officers or federal vehicles will bring consequences. “There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers… If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence,” he wrote, without specifying whether that refers to criminal penalties.
The policy places responsibility squarely on governors and mayors to manage unrest within their jurisdictions. Trump said local governments are obligated to protect both state and federal property and should only seek help if they are “unable to handle the insurrectionists, agitators and anarchists” involved.
If leaders do invoke the ask us policy, Trump said federal help would arrive quickly. He pledged officers would “immediately go to the location where such help is requested, and take care of the situation very easily and methodically.” He cited the Los Angeles riots one year ago, quoting a police chief who said, “We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Federal Government.”
Trump also emphasized tone, saying requests should include the word “PLEASE.” He closed by reiterating his campaign priorities. “I was elected on a Policy of Border Control… National Security, and LAW AND ORDER—That’s what America wants, and that’s what America is getting!”
