Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly authorized nearly 2,000 National Guard troops deployed to the nation’s capital to carry weapons if their mission requires it, paving the way for an expanded security role in Washington, D.C.
The authority is expected to take effect in the coming days, as the Guard force — drawn from the District and six Republican-led states — continues to build its presence in the city. President Donald Trump, who visited Guard personnel Thursday, urged them to play a tougher role in policing, ABC News reported Friday.
“You got to be strong, you got to be tough. You got to do your job. Whatever it takes,” he told troops at the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility.
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