National Guard Units Armed as Trump Expands Military Presence in D.C.

The deployment of armed National Guard units in Washington, D.C., marks a significant escalation in the military presence under President Donald Trump. As part of a broader initiative to address crime, certain units have begun carrying weapons while patrolling the nation’s capital, a move that has sparked debate and concern among local leaders.

Weaponization of National Guard Patrols

On Sunday, members of the South Carolina National Guard were observed with holstered handguns during their patrols. This development follows Trump’s decision to station hundreds of troops in Washington, a city governed by Democratic leadership, as part of what he describes as a crime crackdown. Initially, the President called up 800 members of the District of Columbia National Guard, before additional troops were deployed from six Republican-led states.

According to a directive issued by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the National Guard is now authorized to carry weapons during their patrols in the capital. Some units are reportedly equipped with handguns, while others have been issued rifles. However, it is anticipated that personnel assigned to administrative or logistical roles will remain unarmed.

A statement from the joint task force overseeing policing in Washington indicated that the armed patrols commenced on Sunday. The use of firearms by the National Guard is intended to be “a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.”

Local Reactions and Potential Expansion of Deployment

Trump’s military deployment in Washington, which began two weeks ago, has drawn mixed reactions from local residents. The President has expressed intentions to potentially expand military presence to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York. During a press briefing at the White House, he stated, “I think Chicago will be our next,” indicating that New York could follow.

These comments have prompted strong opposition from Democratic leaders in those states. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson stated that the city does not require “a military occupation” and has threatened legal action to prevent any military deployment. He emphasized a commitment to protect the city’s residents from what he described as tyranny, asserting, “We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant.”

The recent developments surrounding the armed National Guard units and Trump’s military strategy have reignited discussions on the balance between law enforcement and military presence in urban areas, particularly amidst ongoing concerns regarding civil rights and community safety.