Secretary of War Commends National Guard

During a recent event at Meridian Hill Park, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised the efforts of the administration to enhance safety and the aesthetic appeal of the nation’s capital.

Hegseth emphasized that ensuring law and order was a fundamental right for all Americans, stating that their mission’s focus is firmly on public safety rather than political debates.

“There’s nothing ideological about this group, there’s nothing political about this exercise,” he remarked. “Law and order is something all Americans deserve — Black, White, rich, poor, man or woman, from D.C. or far-flung places in this country.”

He also highlighted the contributions of President Donald Trump’s D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, which he credited as crucial for the city’s improved safety and appearance.

“It was just about one year ago today when President Trump said that he looked around this city, the capital of the greatest country in the history of civilization, and didn’t like what he saw,” Hegseth noted. “He didn’t like the crime, he didn’t like the way it looked, and he instructed us to do something about it. And that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

Hegseth expressed gratitude towards the National Guard for their commitment to protecting citizens.

“To the soldiers here, thank you for everything you’re doing,” he continued. “You’re not from Washington, most of you, but this is your capital; and you believe in its 250th year that it should be safe and it should be secure for every single citizen that lives here and every single citizen that comes to visit.”

He also took a moment to honor National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, recognizing their sacrifice for the freedom of others.