Around 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington, D.C., now carrying firearms under orders from President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Most are armed with M17 pistols, while a smaller group has M4 rifles, though these weapons are only meant for self-defense. This marks a shift from their earlier role, where they supported police without weapons, focusing on patrols and crowd control. The troops are not making arrests but are helping protect federal buildings and assist law enforcement. Some have been seen in areas like Chinatown, identified as military police.
This deployment is part of Trump’s broader push to address crime and homelessness in the capital, despite data showing violent crime has dropped by 27% compared to last year. Critics, especially Democrats, argue the move is politically driven and unfairly targets cities led by Black officials. Trump has also threatened to send troops to Baltimore after a disagreement with Maryland’s governor. Using the National Guard for routine crime control is unusual, as they’re typically called in for emergencies like natural disasters or civil unrest, not everyday policing.