Washington now sees deployment of National Guard soldiers, who are armed, under the order of President Trump. - Armed National Guard under Trump's command now present in Washington D.C.
In a series of recent developments, National Guard troops have been deployed in several major cities across the United States, stirring controversy and raising concerns about potential political motives.
The deployment of these troops, armed with long guns, has been observed in Washington D.C., particularly in areas such as The Wharf, the White House, tourist-filled areas like the Mall between the Capitol and Lincoln Memorial, as well as in train stations and metro stations. According to reports by CNN, several National Guard troops from South Carolina were armed and positioned themselves with firearms at Union Station late Sunday night.
The decision to deploy these troops has been met with criticism, with critics accusing President Donald Trump of right-wing populist agitation and attempting to expand his power by causing chaos and controlling Democratic-run cities. The President has justified their deployment with an alleged security "emergency" in Washington and has placed local police under federal control.
However, the National Guard troops are expected to remain in their armories, with weapons available only as a last resort and in response to an immediate threat to life, according to the Joint Task Force DC. It is important to note that the National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., are currently stationed there, with over 1900 troops coming from Washington and the states of Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
The deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., is not the first time such action has been taken during Trump's presidency. In June, the President deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles to end protests against his immigration policy.
The deployment of National Guard troops in Democratic-run cities such as Chicago and New York has also been announced by the President. However, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that deploying the National Guard in Chicago "lacks any legal basis or authority." The specific states from which the National Guard soldiers dispatched to Chicago in September 2021 were not explicitly named in the available information.
These developments have sparked intense debate and raised questions about the role of the military in domestic politics. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact the political landscape of the United States.
