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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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The National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., will be authorized to carry weapons, a Defense Official told Newsweek.
Reports started to break on Friday morning that the authorization had been given, but a Joint Task Force-DC (JTF-DC) spokesperson initially told Newsweek that despite the reports "there is no change to our arming posture."
However, shortly thereafter, a Defense Official said that the authorization had been given "at the direction of the Secretary of Defense," although authority remains with the Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard "to make any necessary force posture adjustments."
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ABC News, Fox News, and The Associated Press initially reported on the pending authorization, saying that it could go into action in the coming days.
Newsweek reached out to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's office by email on Friday morning for comment.
Why It Matters
Several states have deployed troops to Washington to bolster the 800 troops President Donald Trump initially authorized for deployment, flooding the city with nearly 2,000 troops overall.
The deployment aims to combat crime in the city, even as crime rates have reached a 30-year low, marking one of the most aggressive federal interventions in local law enforcement in recent history.
The deployment has prompted strong backlash due to the fact the administration bypassed the city's elected leaders, who have variously described Trump's directive as "unsettling," "unprecedented" and "dangerous."
Washington officials sued the administration to block the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), which prompted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to issue a memo that leaves the current police chief in charge of the department but also directs the police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, the Associated Press reported.
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What To Know
Several news outlets on Friday morning reported that Hegseth had directed National Guard service members to carry their "service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training," but when reached for comment on the authorization, a JTF-DC spokesperson denied any changes had been ordered.
"We are aware of the reports and currently, there is no change to our arming posture," the spokesperson told Newsweek.
However, a Defense Official shortly thereafter told Newsweek that Hegseth had given authorization but indicated some conditions to their use.
"At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our Nation's capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training," the official said.
"The Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard retains the authority to make any necessary force posture adjustments in coordination with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Federal law enforcement partners," the official continued. "The D.C. National Guard remains committed to safeguarding the District of Columbia and serving those who live, work, and visit the District."
The report from Fox News added that the troops could carry weapons "if their mission requires it," citing a U.S. official, adding that the new authority could see troops carrying weapons potentially within the next few days.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory. Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City! Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!"
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier this month wrote on X: "Violent crime in DC is at its lowest level in 30 years. We had an unacceptable spike in 2023, so we changed our laws and strategies. Now, crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic. Our tactics are working, and we aren't taking our foot off the gas."
Update 8/22/25, 11:39 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 8/22/25, 11:25 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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