Hegseth Expands National Guard Presence in Washington D.C.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the National Guard to expand its presence in Washington, D.C., through the end of the year to address what President Donald Trump termed a "crime emergency." Under memos signed October 29, the deployment includes 60 marked police cars, patrol boats, humvees, light medium tactical vehicles, and 20 portable light towers.

Troops supporting anti-gang and drug operations are now permitted to carry rifles, although they are prohibited from making arrests, pursuing suspects, or conducting high-speed chases. The authorization also grants the U.S. Marshals Service use of the 260th Special Purpose Brigade to protect federal facilities and leaders. Hegseth stated that the maximum number of deployed Guard members will be capped at 3,500.

The Government of the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit to block the deployment, arguing that using the military for domestic law enforcement is illegal. The Pentagon defended the move, stating the actions support the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission."