Hegseth authorizes National Guard to carry weapons in D.C. deployment

The Washington Post ^ | August 22, 2025 | Dan Lamothe

[E. Pluribus Unum]

National Guard members participating in the military deployment that President Donald Trump has ordered in Washington, D.C., will “soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons,” the Pentagon said in a statement Friday, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s formal authorization allowing troops to carry firearms in the nation’s capital.

The authorization applies to members of Joint Task Force-D.C., the military mission that includes both members of the D.C. National Guard and six states that are involved in the deployment, the Pentagon said in a statement. The use of firearms will be consistent with the National Guard’s mission and training, with Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, acting commander of the D.C. National Guard, granted authority to make any “force posture adjustments” he deems necessary while coordinating with D.C. police, the statement said.

“The D.C. National Guard remains committed to safeguarding the District of Columbia and serving those who live, work, and visit the District,” the statement said.

The authorization appears to give legal cover to carry weapons, and it comes after Guard members have walked the streets of the District without firearms for several days. Military commanders have coordinated with police officials, balancing the unusual directive to deploy troops on domestic soil with President Donald Trump’s desire to involve the military in a federal crackdown on crime.

About 2,000 National Guard members were involved as of Thursday, with more on the way, military officials said in a statement. Officials with Joint Task Force-D.C. said in a statement Friday morning that they were aware of media reports about the authorization to carry firearms, but insisted that “no change to our arming posture” had been made. It was not clear when, or if, that posture may change. It also was unclear whether Guard members would carry rifles or handguns, or whether they...

[Vaduz]

They can take it away from the IRS and Postal system thay don’t know what to do with it anyway.

[ExSES]

I had a good friend who deployed to Grenada. As "peacekeepers" none of the troops had ammo, their Captain had loaded magazines on him for emergencies... The Captain was rarely within eyesight for most of his deployment! Yet, they were "security" and often searched homes for weapons! Luckily, there were no "incidents" but it was his most uncomfortable deployment during his career!

[Hot Tabasco]

OMG, Democracy in America has ended, and Nazi Fascism has taken control!!!!! /s

[Hot Tabasco]

Will they also carry a basic load of ammo, 210 rounds? 7 loaded magazines? With one seated?

OOH, great question. Obviously from one with advanced, combat infantry experience........We're all impressed.

[dljordan]

What do you think that little linked belt hanging out of the M-60 is?

[NorthMountain]

If the illegals and criminals have weapons, so should the Fed. agents AND THE HONEST CITIZENS ....

[ansel12]

We don’t know what is in the belt, see post 17.

[Salman]

This may be an ignorant question, but under what circumstances are they deployed without weapons?

I had the impression "deployed" implied having weapons. As distinct from being on parade or something.

[ops33]

You would think so, otherwise they risk having their weapons stolen from them.