Pentagon directs National Guard troops in DC to start patrolling with guns

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday directed the National Guard troops who are patrolling in Washington, D.C., to start carrying firearms, though it is not clear when the order will go into effect. 

The Pentagon has not commented on the reason for the change, but it comes as the Trump administration concentrates on reducing crime in the nation's capital. President Donald Trump declared a "crime crisis" in the district earlier this month and called up 800 D.C. National Guard troops. He also federalized the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

The National Guard troops, which have since expanded to 2,000 with assistance from other states, have not taken part in law enforcement activities. The troops have largely been protecting historic landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station and helping with crowd control, according to the Associated Press.

It is not clear how long the troops will be activated in D.C., but they can only be stationed for 30 days without congressional approval. Trump has also teased expanding National Guard activity to other major cities, including Chicago.

Pentagon officials told Fox News that National Guard troops are expected to mobilize in 19 states in the coming weeks to help the Department of Homeland Security with immigration. 

The new mobilization effort would run from August through mid-November and includes Republican-led states along with blue states, the outlet reported.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.