In a significant move, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the arming of National Guard personnel deployed on the streets of Washington DC. This decision marks a continuation of the Trump administration's crackdown on crime in the nation's capital. Earlier this month, President Trump ordered troops to Washington, asserting direct control over the police force to address what he described as rampant crime in the city.
Despite earlier statements from the Pentagon and the US Army indicating that the approximately 2,000 troops involved in this deployment would not carry weapons, the recent directive now permits them to be armed. The Pentagon clarified that the National Guard troops will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, aligning with their training and operational guidelines.
However, it remains uncertain whether this decision to arm the troops indicates a shift in their mission parameters. Until now, these troops have not engaged in law enforcement activities, which have been managed by local police and various federal agencies. Their presence has primarily been around significant landmarks, including the National Mall and Union Station, Washington's main passenger rail hub.
The deployment of federal troops has sparked considerable controversy among residents of Washington, particularly given its unpopularity in a predominantly Democratic city. Recent polling data reveals that nearly 80% of residents oppose the presence of federal officers and the National Guard, as well as the takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has yet to publicly address the decision to arm the National Guard. In a recent address from the Oval Office, President Trump claimed that the deployment has successfully restored safety to the capital. He suggested that this mission might extend to other cities, such as Chicago, which is also governed by a Democratic administration often at odds with his policies.
Despite the administration's claims of success, Trump has indicated he might declare a national emergency once the current 30-day deployment period concludes. "If I think we're in great shape here, that's one thing. But if I don't, I'm just going to say it's a national emergency," he stated. This declaration would allow him to maintain troop presence indefinitely.
In addition to the military presence, Trump has announced plans to request $2 billion from Congress to fund beautification projects in Washington, following substantial budget cuts earlier this year that totaled $1.1 billion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reported that the operation has resulted in over 700 arrests thus far, including 40 arrests made on a single Thursday, alongside the seizure of 91 illegal firearms. While the Trump administration heralds these figures as a success, local officials, including Mayor Bowser, have highlighted a significant decline in crime, asserting that Washington is experiencing its lowest violent crime rates in 30 years.
The ongoing deployment and the armed status of National Guard troops in Washington DC raise important questions about federal intervention in local law enforcement and the broader implications for public safety and civil liberties in the capital.
