Chicago Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has given the order for National Guard troops to carry firearms while patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C. This move is part of President Donald Trump’s law enforcement crackdown. Hegseth called the decision “common sense” on social media, but the Pentagon didn’t provide any further details about why this was necessary.
Nearly 2,000 National Guard members have been stationed in the nation’s capital, which is heavily Democratic. This decision has been met with criticism from local officials, with D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen saying Trump’s actions are “not of a president, but of someone on the march to an authoritarian takeover.” Trump initially deployed 800 National Guard members to assist federal law enforcement in addressing crime, homelessness, and illegal immigration.
Since then, six Republican-led states have sent additional troops to the city, increasing the military presence. The decision to arm National Guard troops has escalated the Republican administration’s intervention in the nation’s capital. As of now, no troops have been spotted carrying firearms around the city, but the move has sparked concern among local officials and residents.
