National Guard descends on Washington, D.C., as Trump mulls plan for 'reaction force' to invade U.S. cities at any time | 12 Aug 2025 | The National Guard started patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night after President Trump announced the government would takeover policing in the city. Troops with the National Guard arrived into the capital late on Tuesday night in a bid by the White House to curb violent crime. Images of the troops started to pour in shortly after 8pm EST, showing camo clad officers being dispersed throughout the city. Military Humvees also parked on the National Mall on Tuesday evening with officers standing close by. The New York Times reported that they stayed in the area for two hours before leaving for what a nearby Master Sgt. described as a "presence patrol."