Hundreds of Washington, D.C., National Guard members are now on standby after being activated by President Donald Trump as part of an unprecedented federal takeover of the city’s police department. The move — which Trump says is necessary to combat violent crime — comes even as official statistics show crime rates at a three-decade low.

About 100 Guard members reported to the D.C. Armory on Tuesday morning for in-processing, filling out paperwork, updating personnel records, and awaiting further instructions. Defense officials say the full deployment will grow to 800 personnel, operating in shifts of 100–200 members at a time, with troops allowed to return home after their shifts end.

For now, the Guard has not been deployed onto city streets. “We’ve been told clearly and distinctly that we will be in a support role to law enforcement,” an Army spokesperson confirmed. Whether they will be armed will depend on mission details decided by Joint Task Force D.C., the unit now overseeing the operation.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James Mingus visited the Armory Tuesday to meet with Guard members, offering encouragement and stressing the importance of their role. While weapons are available, the decision to issue them will be made by the mission commander. Under the Standing Rules for the Use of Force, service members can act in self-defense but must prioritize de-escalation tactics.

Appearing on Fox News Monday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Guard troops will have “broad latitude” under existing laws but will not perform direct law enforcement functions unless an insurrection is declared. Under federal law, military personnel can protect federal property and personnel but are restricted from general policing without such a declaration.

Earlier this year, Trump deployed National Guard units in Los Angeles to support immigration raids, where they assisted federal agents but did not make arrests themselves. In other cases, Guard members have been assigned to administrative support roles, freeing up law enforcement officers for field duties.

The decision to federalize the D.C. police has already sparked debate. Supporters argue the move will ensure public safety, pointing to recent high-profile crimes and public disorder incidents. Critics, however, accuse the administration of exaggerating crime trends to justify an unprecedented federal intervention in local law enforcement.

D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson has publicly pushed back, noting that violent crime in the city is statistically lower than in past decades. Civil liberties groups have warned that blurring the line between military and police roles could erode constitutional protections.

In the coming days, additional National Guard troops will be processed, bringing the force to its planned 800-member strength. Federal agencies and military leaders are still determining deployment details — including troop locations, potential firearm use, and coordination with federal agents now overseeing D.C.’s police department.

For now, the capital remains in limbo, with soldiers waiting in armories, city officials resisting federal control, and residents uncertain about what lies ahead.

In a world of sensational headlines and shallow takes, The Daily Upside stands apart. Written by former bankers and veteran journalists, it delivers crisp, actionable insights that top execs use to make smarter decisions. Over 1M readers — boardrooms to corner offices — trust it every morning. Join them. Free, no fluff, just business clarity.

Join them. Free, no fluff, just business clarity.