National Guard troops told to maintain presence near National Mall as part of Trump’s anti-crime mission
National Guard troops were called to active duty by President Donald Trump and arrived at the Washington Monument on Tuesday to address what he claims is “out of control” crime in the nation’s capital. The troops, under the command of Col. Dave Butler, were tasked with providing logistical support, transportation, and administration assistance to local law enforcement, as well as maintaining a visible presence around the National Mall.
According to Col. Butler, part of their assignment was to patrol the national monuments and ensure their security. The deployment of troops on U.S. soil is legal within certain limits, with the president having the authority to mobilize service members in times of extraordinary crisis. However, their duties are restricted to protecting federal personnel and property unless the president declares an insurrection, which has not occurred in this case.
The decision to deploy troops to the National Mall raised questions about the necessity of their presence in an area typically frequented by tourists and school groups. While the troops were expected to have access to weapons, they were not authorized to carry them, as confirmed by Col. Butler.
President Trump has been vocal about his concerns regarding crime in D.C. and recently announced plans to take control of the Washington, D.C. police department and activate troops from the D.C. National Guard. The initial deployment consisted of 100 Guard troops, with more expected to join throughout the week.
The troops’ mission and rules of engagement were still being finalized, with expectations that they would need the rest of the week to prepare before full deployment. Like all service members in the U.S., the Guard troops would operate under the Standing Rules for the Use of Force, ensuring their right to self-defense while emphasizing de-escalation techniques to minimize the use of force.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clarified that the activated Guard troops would not be involved in law enforcement functions but would have broad latitude under existing authorities. This deployment of Guard personnel echoes previous instances where troops were called upon to support law enforcement efforts in different parts of the country.
President Trump’s control over the D.C. police force is set to expire in 30 days, at which point Congress would need to weigh in on further actions. The deployment of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital reflects the administration’s efforts to address perceived security concerns and restore order in the city.
