Tourists greeted by National Guard patrolling DC landmarks on Thursday morning [View all]
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
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