On Tuesday, National Guard troops called to active duty by President Donald Trump arrived at the iconic Washington Monument. Their deployment is part of Trump's strategy to tackle what he describes as escalating crime in the nation's capital. According to Col. Dave Butler, an Army spokesperson, these troops are tasked with providing logistics support, transportation, and administrative assistance to local law enforcement. Additionally, their presence will be visible around the National Mall, reinforcing the administration's commitment to addressing safety concerns in the area.
The deployment of troops on U.S. soil is legally permissible to a certain extent, especially during times of extraordinary crisis. The President possesses the authority to mobilize service members under such circumstances. However, the scope of their duties is confined primarily to the protection of federal personnel and federal property unless the President officially declares an insurrection, which has not occurred in this case. As a result, the specific reasons for the increased military presence along the National Mall remain somewhat unclear, raising questions about the necessity of this action.
The National Mall, known for its museums, monuments, and expansive green spaces, is typically regarded as a safe zone, frequented by tourists and school groups. Col. Butler mentioned that while the troops will be armed, they are not expected to carry weapons during their deployment. This decision aligns with the broader context of maintaining public safety while addressing the perceived crime issues highlighted by the Trump administration.
President Trump has been vocal about what he deems rampant crime in Washington, D.C. During a press conference on Monday, he announced his intention to take control of the D.C. police department and activate troops from the D.C. National Guard. "Something's out of control," Trump stated, emphasizing his commitment to restoring order swiftly, similar to actions taken at the southern border. He declared, "This is Liberation Day in D.C., and we're going to take our capital back," framing the deployment as a historic action to combat crime and chaos in the capital.
Trump's control over the D.C. police force is set to last for 30 days, after which congressional involvement will be necessary. Earlier on Tuesday, an Army representative indicated that the Guard troops had not yet received a specific mission beyond supporting law enforcement. It is anticipated that the service will require the remainder of the week to account for approximately 800 troops and prepare for their deployment next week.
As with all service members, the National Guard will adhere to the Standing Rules for the Use of Force, which were previously employed during the deployment of federalized Guard members to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. Under these rules, military personnel are entitled to self-defense to protect themselves and others; however, they are encouraged to use de-escalation techniques to minimize force while accomplishing their objectives.
On Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared on Fox News, stating that the activated Guard troops will have “broad latitude” under existing authorities. Nevertheless, he clarified that they will not engage in law enforcement functions. Earlier this year, Trump also activated other Guard personnel in Los Angeles to assist immigration agents during raids and arrests, showcasing the ongoing trend of utilizing National Guard support for law enforcement activities across the country.
As the situation continues to evolve, the presence of the National Guard in Washington D.C. underscores the administration's focus on addressing public safety and crime concerns in the capital.
