Some National Guard units in Washington are now carrying firearms in escalation of Trump deployment

Some National Guard units patrolling Washington, D.C., have begun carrying firearms, marking an escalation in President Donald Trump's military deployment in response to crime concerns. This directive, authorized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, allows armed units to operate under strict rules of engagement, stating that force should only be used as a last resort[^3][9]. The move comes amidst Trump's threats to expand military presence to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York, drawing criticism from local leaders[^2][8].

According to reports, some National Guard members were seen carrying handguns while patrolling areas like Union Station, with the Pentagon indicating that troops on specific missions would be armed[^5][10]. The deployment has sparked protests and raised concerns about the militarization of law enforcement in urban areas, particularly those governed by Democrats[^7][9].

Trump's actions have been met with strong opposition from Democratic officials, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who criticized the federal intervention as unnecessary and politically motivated[^2][8].

[^{2]: [NBC Washington - Trump expands cities targeted for possible military deployment to Baltimore in a spat with governor](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/trump-expands-cities-targeted-for-possible-military-deployment-to-baltimore-in-a-spat-with-governor-wes-moore/3979296/) [}3]: Los Angeles Times - Some National Guard units in D.C. are now carrying firearms in escalation of Trump deployment
[^{5]: [Yahoo News - Some National Guard units in Washington are now carrying firearms in escalation of Trump deployment](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-expands-cities-targeted-possible-181916800.html) [}8]: WRAL - Pentagon says some Guard units in Washington are now carrying firearms. Trump targets more cities
[^{9]: [ABC News - Hegseth authorizes Guard troops in DC to carry weapons](https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/defense-secretary-hegseth-authorizes-2k-national-guard-troops/story?id=124876085) [}10]: The Hindu - Pentagon says some National Guard units in Washington now carrying firearms as Trump targets more cities