Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC, to carry their service weapons while assisting in President Donald Trump’s law enforcement efforts in the city. The directive, as confirmed by a US defense official, comes amid ongoing tensions and protests in the capital.

The decision to arm National Guard members marks a significant escalation in the government’s response to civil unrest, underscoring the seriousness of the current situation in Washington, DC. This move aligns with historical precedents where National Guard units have been armed during periods of heightened security concerns.

In response to the directive, a spokesperson for the National Guard emphasized the troops’ commitment to supporting civilian authorities and maintaining public safety. However, concerns have been raised by some about the potential implications of deploying armed military personnel in a domestic law enforcement capacity.

While the Trump administration asserts that the use of National Guard troops is necessary to restore order and address criminal activity in the city, critics question the appropriateness of militarizing the response to protests. The decision to arm the National Guard troops in DC reflects the administration’s firm stance on restoring law and order in the face of civil unrest.

As tensions persist and demonstrations continue in the nation’s capital, the presence of armed National Guard troops underscores the complex and evolving dynamics at play in Washington, DC. The deployment of armed forces in response to civil unrest raises broader questions about the balance between security measures and civil liberties in a democratic society.