Expanded National Guard Presence Expected in Washington DC as Trump Alters City’s Law Enforcement Structure

The anticipated expansion of National Guard troops in Washington DC is set for tonight, according to a White House official, as President Donald Trump’s management of the city’s law enforcement progresses.

A more substantial deployment of the National Guard is expected later in the day, the official confirmed. On Tuesday, the first contingent of troops, including five armored personnel carriers, arrived near the Washington Monument.

The increased presence comes as Trump’s control over the city’s law enforcement enters its third day, marking another step in the president’s attempt to influence the city and its institutions.

The National Guard’s role may evolve based on orders for their support of law enforcement. The Army stated in a Monday press release that the guard will offer administrative and logistical assistance, as well as reinforce other officers patrolling the city.

“National Guard troops are not making arrests,” a White House official informed CNN. The official clarified that guard members have been instructed to assist federal and local law enforcement but are there primarily to create a safe environment for other officers.

As details about the guard members’ mission develop, the public can expect to see troops stationed at various locations across the city, including national monuments. A National Guard spokesperson informed CNN that a task force is being established to coordinate the mission and establish a command structure.

The White House has yet to specify the number of troops anticipated in DC starting tonight. However, the official stated that the guard’s presence will transition from a nighttime stance to a 24/7 presence beginning this evening.

Trump declared Monday he was assuming control of the city’s police department and instructed federal law enforcement to begin patrolling the city. Trump referenced high-crime rates, although city statistics show violent crime has decreased over the past two years since reaching its peak in 2023.

The White House reported 43 arrests in DC on Tuesday night. The official noted that all those arrests were made by the newly formed task force established as part of the federal surge efforts, which includes both federal law enforcement and local DC police officers.

The president mobilized federal law enforcement to patrol the city last week following an attempted carjacking that left a former Department of Government Efficiency staffer injured. Since the crackdown began Thursday, federal law enforcement has made 103 arrests, according to the White House.

In 2024, the city averaged approximately 55 adult arrests per day, based on data from the city’s police department.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the importance of ensuring the federal law enforcement surge is beneficial to the city and encouraged residents to “stay safe” and “exercise caution.”

“I understand people have concerns about democracy and wish to express themselves, and this is still America,” Bowser said on Fox 5’s “Good Day DC.” “This is still our nation’s capital, and I encourage everyone to remain peaceful, adhere to the law, and continue with their daily lives.”

In addition this week, the White House ordered a review of the Smithsonian Institution’s museums and exhibits to align with a Trump directive mandating the removal of “divisive” narratives.

Furthermore, the president attended the Kennedy Center today to announce recipients of its prestigious awards, marking the first such event since Trump assumed control of the arts institution’s board earlier this year.

There, he hinted at requesting Congress to extend federalization of the city’s police force beyond 30 days.

“If it’s a national emergency, we can do it without Congress, but we expect to be – before Congress very quickly,” Trump said. “And again, we think the Democrats will not do anything to stop crime, but we think the Republicans will do it almost unanimously.”