Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops in Washington even as crime rates fall

Hundreds of National Guard soldiers in camouflage mingled with tourists on the National Mall this week, pausing for selfies and ice cream as they carried out one of the most visible federal deployments in Washington in years.

While some locals reacted with anger, most of the soldiers treated the assignment as routine. “It’s boring. We’re not really doing much,” said Sergeant Fox of the West Virginia National Guard, who declined to give his first name.

Nearly 2,000 National Guard personnel, including around 1,200 from Republican-led states, have been stationed across the U.S. capital under a federal initiative to combat what President Donald Trump has described as a “crime epidemic.”

Yet official crime data shows overall rates have been declining, fuelling criticism from city leaders that the deployment is more political theatre than crime-fighting measure.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said she does not believe the operation is about tackling crime and voiced concern about “an armed militia in the nation’s capital.” Although soldiers seen by Reuters were unarmed, the Pentagon confirmed they will soon carry service-issued weapons.

The task force overseeing the crackdown says Guard troops are placed based on police requests. A White House spokesperson added that their role is to protect federal assets and present a visible law enforcement presence, while arrests are being carried out by federal officers in high-crime areas.

Even so, many of the soldiers told Reuters their instructions were limited. Specialist Nevaeh Lekanudos from West Virginia said she had not been involved in any arrests. “Honestly, at this rate I don’t believe so,” she said, noting that their presence frees up local police. Soldiers also carried pre-printed statements to hand to reporters, saying their mission was to keep Washington “beautiful and safe.”

The unusual use of troops inside the city has revived debate about militarisation of domestic law enforcement. Retired Major General Randy Manner warned the move could set a precedent.

“Not in our lifetimes has a president said I’m going to use uniformed soldiers to reduce crime,” he said, predicting deployments would soon extend to other Democratic-led cities.

Trump has hinted at such plans, telling police officials in Washington that his crackdown will “go onto other places,” mentioning Chicago and New York.

Still, some welcomed the sight of troops around monuments and museums. Boston resident Anu Pokharel, visiting with his family, said it gave him a sense of reassurance. “It feels cleaner and safer,” he said.

With inputs from agencies