Pete Hegseth expands National Guard deployment in Washington DC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on an expanded deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. The Washington Examiner, AP News, PBS NewsHour, and Politico all reported that the decision increases the National Guard presence in the capital to support operations with local and federal law enforcement agencies. [1][2][3][4]

The deployment includes up to 60 vehicles such as marked police patrol cars, Humvees, and cargo trucks, according to the Washington Examiner and Fox News. The Washington Examiner added that the authorization also covers D.C. National Guard maritime boats and up to 20 light towers and generators, citing a Pentagon official. [1][5][6]

The expansion comes as local officials push back against the military presence. Fox News reported that a council hearing demanded the removal of troops from the city, while The Washington Post noted that local leaders in D.C. are seeking to oust the National Guard forces. [6][7]

PBS NewsHour reported that Hegseth approved the expanded patrols in two separate memorandums signed on October 29. The National Guard serves as an organized militia across all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. [2][13]