0:29 Members of the Mississippi National Guard walk near the Washington Monument on the National Mall following U.S. President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and an order for expanded federal law enforcement involvement to help curb crime, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. Al Drago/Reuters
National Guard personnel stationed in Washington, D.C., have now been permitted to bear arms for self-defense and perform law enforcement tasks, according to defense officials on Friday.
This move represents an intensification of President Donald Trump’s strategy of employing military forces to combat what he describes as “spiraling” crime rates in the capital. Following his directive, Trump has activated approximately 2,300 Guard members from D.C. and six Republican-led states. Until now, these troops had been unarmed.
ABC News initially reported on Friday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had formally approved troops to carry weapons when mission-necessary. Later that day, the joint task force managing the operation confirmed the decision, specifying that personnel assigned to duties would carry M17 pistols, “designed for personal security.” The task force emphasized that proper firearms training would precede authorization.
“This authorization was not made hastily,” stated Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard, III, leader of the D.C. National Guard, in an official release.
Members of the Mississippi National Guard walk near the Washington Monument on the National Mall following U.S. President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and an expanded federal law enforcement presence to assist in crime prevention, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 21, 2025. Al Drago/Reuters
“We are collaborating with law enforcement partners and have all necessary oversight procedures established,” he continued.
Late Friday, the task force clarified that Guard members could engage in law enforcement activities due to their Title 32 status, a provision that bypasses Posse Comitatus Act restrictions since they remain under state governors’ authority.
Legal analysts have previously raised concerns about Title 32 potentially circumventing Posse Comitatus, which aims to bar presidential use of the military for domestic policing. Under Title 32, the president funds operations while governors maintain troop control; Trump specifically sought forces from Republican-led states for D.C.
Though governors retain nominal command, White House officials confirmed that mission directives originate from the administration.
During a Thursday visit to Guard personnel, President Trump hinted at an expanded law enforcement role for troops in the city.
“You must be strong, you must be firm,” Trump told service members at the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility. “You must fulfill your duties—whatever it takes.”
President Donald Trump addresses federal troops at the US Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility in Washington, August 21, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Operating in rotations, Guard members began limited deployment last week at high-traffic tourist locations like the National Mall’s Washington Monument, where crime rates remain low. Unarmed soldiers and airmen, stationed near armored Humvees, were seen interacting with visitors and children.
Trump subsequently escalated the initiative, requesting reinforcements from neighboring states. To date, six GOP governors have complied, with troops arriving this week from Louisiana, Tennessee, Ohio, South Carolina, and Mississippi.
The military task force reported that most additional personnel were in position by Thursday morning, increasing the total force in D.C. to 2,282 by Friday evening.
During his visit, Trump suggested the deployment could last six months or more.
National Guard members walk along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., August 21, 2025. Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters
“Focus on security, and I’ll handle the physical improvements. In six months, this city will be a source of pride,” he declared.
“By year’s end, everything will be revitalized—new surfaces, medians, the works. It will look spectacular,” he added.
D.C. National Guard soldiers monitor arrivals at Union Station near the Capitol, Aug 21, 2025, in Washington. Mariam Zuhaib/AP
Historically, presidents have only mobilized the National Guard for exceptional situations, such as inaugural security or civil unrest, like the January 6, 2021, Capitol protests.
According to D.C. Metropolitan Police data, violent crime in the city has dropped 26% since 2024, reaching a 30-year low.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks as Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith listens during a press conference following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department at the Wilson Building, August 11, 2025 in Washington. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
On Wednesday, Mayor Muriel Bowser criticized Trump’s deployment as an “armed militia presence in the capital.”
“Crime has declined significantly in our city over the past two years due to extensive reforms in public safety and legislative changes,” Bowser stated.
ABC News’ Karen Travers and Arthur Jones contributed reporting.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
