The Pentagon announced that all National Guard members deployed in Washington D.C. would be armed with live weapons and conduct joint patrols with local police, a significant shift in the rules of engagement for domestic military deployments. This decision follows a recent shooting of two guardsmen, one of whom died, near the White House, prompting the administration to order more troops to the city. The move to arm these troops comes as a recent order finding the deployment unlawful is on hold, pending the Trump administration’s appeal. Additionally, the suspect in the shooting, an Afghan national, has caused the administration to launch a review of immigration policies.
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The D.C. National Guard’s deployment in Washington, D.C. has been extended through the end of February, according to formal orders. This extension, which follows an August declaration of emergency by former President Trump, directs the Guard to protect federal property and support law enforcement. While the original mission was related to crime-fighting, the task force has also focused on beautification projects. The deployment’s legality is currently being challenged in court by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, with a ruling still pending.
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National Guard could stay in Washington, DC through summer 2026: Lawsuit, it seems like we’re facing a situation that’s a bit more complex than just a simple deployment. The core of the matter seems to be a potential extended presence of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., possibly stretching through the summer of 2026, and a lawsuit is likely in the mix to make that clearer. The implication is that this isn’t just a temporary measure; there are concerns it’s a long-term plan with potentially ulterior motives.
So, the extended timeline raises some critical questions, right? First and foremost, what exactly will these guardsmen and women be doing?… Continue reading
National Guard troops began patrolling in Memphis, Tennessee, while a judge blocked their deployment in the Chicago area, resulting in planning and training by Illinois soldiers. The Memphis patrols, which included armed Guard members escorted by local police, were focused on targeting violent offenders, according to city officials. This action follows a legal battle stemming from the Trump administration’s push to send the Guard to several U.S. cities, with Democratic officials opposing the deployments. The order in Illinois is set to expire soon, while a federal appeals court is hearing arguments over the president’s authority to deploy troops in Portland.
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President Trump has authorized the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, citing “ongoing violent riots and lawlessness” as justification. This decision follows threats to send troops to the city, despite criticism from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who called the move unnecessary and un-American. Concurrently, a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of 200 National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, deeming the protests insufficient to warrant federalized forces, and potentially harming state sovereignty. The Trump administration plans to appeal this ruling, emphasizing the need to protect federal assets and personnel amidst violent riots.
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The deployment of over 2,200 National Guard members to Washington D.C. was initiated by President Trump, who claimed it would combat crime despite declining local crime rates. However, the National Guard’s role has proven largely ineffective, with soldiers primarily tasked with observing and reporting crimes to local police, rather than actively participating in law enforcement. Rules of engagement restrict the National Guard’s ability to make arrests or use weapons, while also potentially violating the Posse Comitatus Act. This deployment, costing a million dollars per day, is now being used for purposes like maintaining the city’s parks.
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Trump to send National Guard troops to Chicago. This is the situation we’re looking at, and it’s already raising some serious questions. Right off the bat, the big concern is the lack of any clear justification. There’s no immediate emergency – no widespread unrest, no major disaster. The usual criteria for deploying the National Guard just aren’t present. So, why is this happening?
Trump to send National Guard troops to Chicago, and the consensus seems to be that this is more about a show of force than a genuine need. It appears to be directed not at a foreign threat, but at American citizens and the elected officials of Chicago and Illinois.… Continue reading
Starting Sunday night, a limited number of National Guard members in Washington, D.C., will be armed, as directed by the Secretary of Defense. The Joint Task Force in D.C. stated that personnel will carry service weapons but operate under established Rules for the Use of Force. This represents an escalation in the federal intervention in the city, despite declining violent crime rates, with no specific threats necessitating armed guards reported. The decision follows President Trump’s order for a law enforcement crackdown and the earlier deployment of National Guard troops who have primarily focused on landmark protection and crowd control.
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National Guard members deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of the president’s crime initiative may now be armed, though they are not authorized to make arrests. The decision to arm the Guard represents a shift from previous guidance, with the initial plan being for them not to carry weapons. The National Guard’s mission is to protect federal assets, support law enforcement, and deter crime. Over the weekend, several states announced they would also be deploying National Guard members to D.C. at the administration’s request.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood