WASHINGTON (AP) — National Guard units stationed in the nation’s capital have begun carrying firearms under a directive from President Donald Trump and his defense secretary. This marks a significant escalation in the military presence in Washington, where some troops are now armed with handguns and rifles while patrolling the streets. A Defense Department official confirmed that only specific units on designated missions would carry weapons, with strict rules governing their use of force.
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, an Associated Press photographer observed members of the South Carolina National Guard outside Union Station, equipped with holstered handguns. The newly formed joint task force responsible for policing Washington stated that armed units had started their patrols, emphasizing that they are committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of residents. Force should only be used as a last resort in response to imminent threats, according to military rules.
The deployment of thousands of National Guard and federal law enforcement officers has led to mixed reactions from local residents, with some areas experiencing sporadic protests. President Trump is reportedly considering extending military deployments to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York, as he seeks to exert federal influence over local law enforcement.
Maryland's Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, has publicly criticized Trump’s use of federal power, suggesting that the president is misinformed about crime rates in Baltimore. After an uptick in violent crime during the pandemic, the city has seen a reduction in homicides, with 200 reported last year, down 24% from the previous year. Moore invited Trump to Baltimore to discuss public safety but perceived Trump's response as dismissive, indicating an inclination to send National Guard troops instead.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump responded to Moore's invitation, claiming the governor had been provocative. He referenced a previous National Guard deployment in Los Angeles and accused Moore of manipulating crime statistics. Moore countered by stating that he wished to focus on serving the needs of Baltimore residents rather than engaging in a political debate with Trump.
The ongoing military presence in Washington has not only drawn criticism from local government officials but has also provoked civil rights concerns. Rev. Al Sharpton pointed out that the deployment seems racially targeted, as no white mayors have been subjected to similar scrutiny. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned Trump's actions as an attempt to create a crisis and politicize the military, asserting that there is no emergency necessitating the National Guard's presence in Chicago.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that his city does not need a military occupation and promised to challenge any deployment legally. He highlighted Chicago's history of resisting tyranny and reaffirmed the city's commitment to protecting the interests of its residents.
As protests and public discontent grow in the capital, the impact of Trump's unprecedented military and law enforcement actions will likely continue to spark debate and resistance from local leaders and communities across the nation.
