National Guard in Washington DC to be armed amid crime crackdown

August 22, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to be armed, marking a shift in the Trump administration's ongoing crime crackdown in the capital. Approximately 2,000 troops were deployed in August when Trump took control of the city's police force to address what he called "out of control" crime, though the Pentagon previously stated troops would not carry weapons. While Trump claims the mission has brought "total safety" to Washington, polls show nearly 80% of residents oppose both the deployment and the federal takeover of local police.

Who is affected

Washington DC residents
National Guard personnel (approximately 2,000 troops)
Washington DC's Metropolitan Police Department
Individuals arrested during the operation (over 700 so far)
Chicago residents (potentially affected if deployment expands)

What action is being taken

National Guard troops are being armed for their mission in Washington DC
Troops are being posted near local landmarks including the National Mall and Union Station
Local police and federal agency officers are conducting law enforcement operations
The operation has resulted in more than 700 arrests and the seizure of 91 illegal firearms
Republican-led states including South Carolina and West Virginia are contributing forces to the crackdown

Why it matters

The decision represents an escalation in the federal intervention in Washington DC
The deployment is deeply unpopular among Washington residents, with almost 80% opposing it
There's potential for the approach to expand to other Democratic-run cities like Chicago
Mayor Bowser claims crime was already decreasing to a "30-year violent crime low" before intervention
The federal takeover creates tension between local and federal authorities over control of public safety

What's next

Trump is considering declaring a national emergency once the deployment's 30-day deadline expires
Trump plans to ask Congress for $2 billion to help "beautify" Washington DC
The operation could potentially expand to Chicago, though Chicago's mayor has expressed "grave concerns"
No explicit next steps stated in the article regarding when or if the troops will be demobilized

Read full article from source: BBC