National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegses outlined on Monday when residents in Washington, D.C. might see the National Guard active in the city and the scope of their authority in dealing with crime.

He mentioned that security personnel from D.C. and “other states” would be stationed in the district “this week and in the upcoming weeks” to act as “Force Multipliers” for local and federal law enforcement. This announcement came during an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle.”

Hegses explained that the National Guard operates under Title 32, giving them considerable flexibility, though they won’t be directly involved in law enforcement tasks. He compared their role to the June deployment of Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles aimed at supporting federal agencies amid protests during immigration actions.

“They’ll be alongside federal agents, much like in Los Angeles. They’ll be prepared to react. If someone takes action against them, there will be repercussions,” he stated.

When host Laura Ingraham inquired about what the National Guard would do in the event of witnessing a crime, Hegses responded, “They can support law enforcement.”

Ingraham followed up, asking, “What if there’s no police officer there?”

Hegses reassured, stating, “I’m here to back them up, ensuring they can act to safeguard residents and themselves.” He clarified that the National Guard wasn’t engaging in unlawful policing but emphasized the importance of practicality in these situations.

“We won’t just let the National Guard stand by while a crime takes place. They can, you know, temporarily detain someone, and then hand them off to law enforcement,” he elaborated, indicating they could receive specific training for such situations.

This move follows President Trump’s earlier activation of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in California during serious disturbances related to immigration issues in Los Angeles.

By early July, most National Guard members and Marines had been released, with around 300 remaining in the city.

Hegses did not specify the number of security personnel to be deployed in D.C. or the duration of their patrols. He described the situation as “conditional-based,” aiming to assist law enforcement in fulfilling their duties more effectively.

“I’m not sure—weeks, months? That’s up to the president’s decision, but we plan to respond as swiftly as we can,” he noted.

It’s interesting to point out that unlike other National Guard units managed by state governors, the President has direct control over the National Guard in D.C.

On Monday, Trump issued an executive order to mobilize the D.C. National Guard, stating it was part of an initiative to “restore law and order in the District of Columbia.” He expressed a vision of Washington, D.C. as a city that should be among the safest and most attractive worldwide.