Tourists greeted by National Guard patrolling DC landmarks on Thursday morning

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: The Independent

Monday 18 August 2025 08:11 BST


President Donald Trump’s move to federalize law enforcement in Washington, D.C., to bring an end to street crime meant that tourists and residents were met by the unusual and slightly eerie sight of U.S. military members patroling the city on Thursday morning as the sun rose.

Members of the National Guard were present along the Mall as part of the administration’s show of force, which was trailed in advance by an insider who spoke to ABC News.

But the soldiers making up the “significant militart presence” were only ever likely to encounter visitors and school children on vacation touring the capital’s historic landmarks at the height of summer, leaving the purpose of the exercise somewhat unclear.

“That’s part of our assignment – to go to the national monuments and be present,” U.S. Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler told ABC. A spokesperson for the Guard told The Independent: “The D.C. National Guard is actively supporting law enforcement partners in the district to enhance public safety and security, following the president’s directive.

Read more: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/national-guard-washington-dc-trump-b2807544.html

[OldBaldy1701E]

1. Ahh, d**kwaving.

Still the number one pursuit of the rich and powerful.

That is all this is. Just a tiny d**k trying desperately to convince the rest of us (and his wannabe bestie Putie) that it is not.

Pathetic.

[IronLionZion]

2. About time somebody kept us safe from tourists

considering what MAGA claims is "typical tourist behavior". The Jan 6 tourists were pretty dangerous.

[Paladin]

3. Life in a police state.

How about we don't get used to this bullshit? How about we recall the sort of country we used to be, just a few months ago? How about it, folks?

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Last time I visited a country surrounded by a military was Guatemala in the early 90s.

Nice third world optics, Donnie.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. I saw the same in Egypt in the early '90s ('92)

Young (and I mean *young*) soldiers patrolling around the tourist sites and airports with rifles. This was about a year or two after the debacle in the desert (Operation Desert Storm).

[IronLionZion]

9. China has military everywhere

it's entirely for domestic control to discourage any popular uprising.

[Lonestarblue]

10. On a trip to Mexico years ago, federal troops were on the streets.

We had been blithely doing tourist things and came upon them in Mexico City. Needless to say, it was concerning to wonder why they were there and whether violence was about to break out.

I also remember flying back from Europe after 9/11 and encountering black-clad solders carrying assault rifles. Understandable at the time but chilling nonetheless. We have police officers. We do not need military carrying assault weapons patrolling our streets.

[tblue37]

12. When I visited Spain with undergraduate students several times in the 1970s during Franco's reign,

armed Guardia Civil were everywhere. It was very unsettling.

[hunter]

6. How does Col. Dave Butler feel about being used as decoration for Trump's little mushroom?

It's got to be frustrating for people who joined the military to protect the United States and its Constitution, maybe not so much for guys who wanted to play soldier and bully people.

[otchmoson]

7. Have law enforcement throughout the country really thought about this?

I’m wondering if police unions will continue to support President Pedo? These unions represent law enforcement officers in matters related to their employment, including wages, benefits, working conditions, and disciplinary procedures. They negotiate collective bargaining agreements with police departments, influencing policies on staffing, overtime, and even the use of force. In addition to collective bargaining, they also engage in political advocacy, lobbying for legislation that supports law enforcement interests and public safety. When they find they are being supplanted by national guardsmen and (ultimately) the military in general, they may see jobs, salaries, perks, and leverage evaporate. Essentially, they become non-essential. Why should towns, cities and states use taxpayer money to fund their own police protection when President Pedo will supply them military “police” at “no cost.” [What else are we going to do with current ICE agents when all the immigrants have been deported?]

[ProudMNDemocrat]

8. Tourism and the money it brings will and should be spent elsewhere.

Good thing I do not have D.C. on my travel itinerary. Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Philadelphia, NYC, etc., be on ALERT!

Though I should not speak too quickly that Minneapolis could be on the list. Lots going on now with NFL and College Football season starting soon, The Twins season is still on, NBA Basketball, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and State Fair running co-inside of one another, Fall Festivals in and around the Metro, and so much more going into the upcoming Holiday season.

I am certain that Tim Walz will put his foot down and tell TACO Don where he can shove it.

[twodogsbarking]

11. Makes sense considering what the "tourists" did on Jan 6..

[Martin Eden]

13. Well, the Natl Guard has to find SOMETHING to do

Crimes at the Smithsonian will drop to an all-time low!