Pentagon directs National Guard troops in D.C. to start patrolling with guns | 22 Aug 2025 | Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday directed the National Guard troops who are patrolling in Washington, D.C., to start carrying firearms, though it is not clear when the order will go into effect. The Pentagon has not commented on the reason for the change, but it comes as the Trump administration concentrates on reducing crime in the nation's capital. President Donald Trump declared a "crime crisis" in the district earlier this month and called up 800 D.C. National Guard troops. He also federalized the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. The National Guard troops, which have since expanded to 2,000 with assistance from other states, have not taken part in law enforcement activities.