Hegseth expands National Guard operations in DC, authorizes police patrol cars, Humvees and boats

War Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the use of dozens of marked police cars, military vehicles, and boats for National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. This decision comes as local officials, including D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, are demanding an end to the deployment, citing it as unnecessary and harmful. The National Guard has approximately 3,000 troops in the capital as part of a crime crackdown initiated by President Donald Trump.

• War Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the use of up to 60 marked patrol cars, military tactical vehicles, light towers, generators, and D.C. National Guard boats.
• The authorization supports the ‘Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful’ mission, with National Guard troops deployed for President Trump’s crime crackdown.
• D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto is demanding the removal of the federal law enforcement and National Guard presence.
• Pinto called on newly elected Democratic governors to withdraw troops deployed to Washington.
• She also urged congressional Democrats to increase oversight of federal law enforcement operations.