The military presence in Washington DC has intensified as some National Guard units, deployed on President Donald Trump’s orders, started carrying firearms, according to the reports.
A Defense Department official confirmed to AP that only certain units assigned to specific missions are armed. Some troops are carrying handguns, while others have rifles. The official emphasized that those given weapons are properly trained and must follow strict rules of engagement.
On Sunday, an AP photographer spotted members of the South Carolina National Guard standing outside Union Station with holstered pistols, showing the new step in the deployment.
The joint task force in charge of security operations in Washington DC stated that units began carrying service weapons on Sunday. It clarified that military guidelines permit force “only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.” The task force also said the mission remains focused on protecting “the safety and wellbeing” of residents.
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According to the Pentagon, the order applies only to Guard members working on law enforcement patrols. Those in administrative or transport roles will remain unarmed.
Currently, thousands of National Guard troops and federal officers are stationed across Washington, a show of force that has already triggered small protests from residents.
This move reflects Trump’s push to assert federal control over state and local governments. Reports suggest he is also considering deploying National Guard troops to other Democrat-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York.
Earlier on Sunday, when Maryland’s governor offered to accompany him on a tour of Baltimore, Trump hinted at expanding military involvement, saying he might instead “send in the ‘troops.’”
