Urgent: Armed National Guard Deployed in Washington D.C. as Trump Declares ‘State of Crime Emergency’
Washington D.C. – August 12, 2025 – In a move that has ignited immediate controversy and sparked protests, President Donald Trump has authorized the deployment of the National Guard to patrol the nation’s capital. The deployment, which began on August 11th following an executive order, comes with a significant escalation: National Guard troops are now carrying weapons. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
What’s Happening in Washington D.C.?
The President’s executive order cites a “state of crime emergency” in Washington D.C. as the justification for the unprecedented move. Approximately 1,700 National Guard members are expected to be deployed across 19 states in the coming weeks, ostensibly to support both anti-immigration and anti-crime operations, according to Pentagon officials who confirmed the details to Fox News. Local residents have already begun to voice their concerns, and protests are underway.
The National Guard: America’s Unique Reserve Force
The National Guard isn’t simply a branch of the military; it’s a deeply rooted part of American history and a unique blend of state and federal responsibility. Dating back to 1636 and formally established in 1776, the National Guard evolved from colonial militias designed to protect local communities. Today, it comprises approximately 431,000 soldiers – the second-largest branch of the U.S. military – primarily serving part-time while maintaining civilian careers.
Unlike the regular U.S. Army, which is a full-time federal force focused on both domestic and international combat operations, the National Guard has a dual mandate. Each state and territory, including Washington D.C., maintains its own National Guard units, ready to respond to local emergencies like natural disasters, social unrest, and public health crises. However, the President also possesses the authority to “federalize” the National Guard for national tasks, including supporting overseas military operations.
Presidential Authority and Historical Precedent
While governors typically control National Guard deployments within their states, President Trump has demonstrated a willingness to bypass this protocol. Earlier this year, he deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom – a move not seen since the 1965 Watts riots. Legally, the President can maintain control over law enforcement in the capital for up to 30 days.
This isn’t the first time the National Guard has been called upon to address civil unrest or enforce federal authority. Throughout American history, the Guard has played a pivotal – and often controversial – role in moments of national crisis. From confronting resistance to school integration in Little Rock, Arkansas (1957), to protecting civil rights marchers in Selma, Alabama (1965), and responding to riots in Detroit (1967) and Los Angeles (1992), the National Guard’s presence has frequently been a symbol of both order and contention. More recently, the Guard was deployed during the Ferguson and Baltimore protests (2014-2015), Hurricane Katrina (2005), the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), the George Floyd protests (2020), and even the Capitol Hill riots (2021).
Why Now? The Context of Trump’s Deployment
The timing of this deployment, coupled with the stated focus on anti-immigration and anti-crime operations, raises significant questions. The “state of crime emergency” declaration lacks specific details, leaving many to speculate about the underlying reasons for the President’s actions. The deployment also comes amidst ongoing debates about immigration policy and rising concerns about crime rates in certain areas.
The situation in Washington D.C. is fluid and evolving. archyde.com will continue to provide updates as they become available, offering in-depth analysis and reporting on this critical story. Understanding the history and capabilities of the National Guard is crucial to grasping the implications of this unprecedented deployment, and we’ll continue to provide that context as this situation unfolds. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest developments and insightful coverage of this breaking news event.