Trump Orders National Guard in D.C. to Carry Guns Amid Crackdown/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C. under President Donald Trump’s law enforcement crackdown to begin carrying firearms. Nearly 2,000 troops, many from Republican-led states, are stationed in the heavily Democratic city. The move escalates federal intervention in local policing, drawing concern from officials and residents.
Key Points at a Glance
- Pentagon confirms order: National Guard troops in Washington will now carry service weapons.
- Deployment scope: Nearly 2,000 Guard members are stationed, including units from six Republican-led states.
- Initial mission: Protect landmarks, control crowds, and support law enforcement—not active policing.
- Troops’ activities so far: Feeding squirrels, assisting travelers, chatting with locals, posing for photos.
- Trump’s framing: Calls D.C. safer than ever, pledges $2 billion beautification plan.
- City response: D.C. police, Mayor Bowser, and Attorney General Schwalb have not commented.
- Legal context: Washington, D.C. is heavily Democratic and often resists federal interventions.
- Duration unclear: Trump says deployments could be prolonged “to take care of criminals.”
Trump Orders National Guard in D.C. to Carry Guns Amid Crackdown
The Story in Depth
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon confirmed Friday that National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C. will begin carrying firearms, escalating President Donald Trump’s federal crackdown on crime, homelessness, and immigration in the nation’s capital.
The decision was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. While no details were offered about why the change was necessary, it marks a significant shift from previous assurances that Guard members would remain unarmed.
Military Presence Expands in Heavily Democratic D.C.
Trump first mobilized 800 members of the D.C. National Guard earlier this summer. Since then, six Republican-led states have sent reinforcements, bringing the total force to nearly 2,000 Guard members across the city.
The troops’ presence has stirred political tension, as Washington, D.C. has long been governed by Democrats and maintains a fraught relationship with federal oversight.
From Landmark Patrols to Carrying Guns
Until now, Guard members were primarily stationed at landmarks such as Union Station and the National Mall. They also assisted with crowd management, but had not engaged in direct law enforcement.
Their activities have often been low-key:
- Helping a woman carry bags at a train station
- Feeding squirrels in public squares
- Taking photos with curious passersby
- Drinking coffee and chatting while on patrol
There had been no visible threats requiring the use of weapons, raising questions about why the new guidance was issued.
Trump: ‘D.C. Was a Hell Hole, Now It’s Safe’
President Trump has framed the intervention as a success story.
“It’s a miracle what’s happened. D.C. was a hell hole. But now it’s safe,” Trump told reporters Friday.
The president suggested the deployments could be extended, saying troops must ensure criminals are “taken care of” before leaving.
He also pledged to ask Congress for $2 billion to resurface roads, upgrade lighting, and beautify public spaces, saying he wants D.C.’s grass to look “like one of my golf courses.”
City Officials Silent, Concerns Rising
The D.C. Police Department, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Attorney General Brian Schwalb did not immediately comment on the decision to arm Guard troops.
A person familiar with the situation confirmed the city had been informed earlier this week about the plan to arm deployed units. However, that person spoke only on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, spokespeople for the D.C. National Guard and the joint task force overseeing Guard deployments declined to comment.
Unanswered Questions
The Pentagon previously insisted Guard members would remain unarmed. The sudden reversal raises critical questions:
- Will Guard troops shift from support roles to policing roles?
- How long will the deployment continue?
- What oversight will local officials have in a federal-led operation?
Trump has given no firm timeline, only hinting that the deployment could last as long as necessary.
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