War Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to utilize dozens of marked police cars, military vehicles, and boats, a decision that comes as local officials are demanding an end to the deployment. Two Pentagon officials confirmed to Fox News Digital that Hegseth signed a memo on Oct. 29 authorizing up to 60 marked patrol cars, Humvees, military tactical vehicles, D.C. National Guard boats, and up to 20 light towers and generators.
Approximately 3,000 National Guard troops are currently deployed in the nation's capital as part of a crime crackdown initiated under President Donald Trump. A War Department official stated that the secretary of war has authorized the continued use of National Guard personnel and capabilities to support the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" mission. The Oct. 29 guidance permits the use of these assets in support of federal and local law enforcement operations.
This directive follows Hegseth's previous decision to permit National Guard troops to carry service-issued weapons when their mission requires it. The authorization comes amidst a hearing held by D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, chair of the council's public safety committee, which examined the federal law enforcement and National Guard presence in the district. Pinto expressed optimism about gaining support from state and congressional partners to push for the removal of what she described as an "unnecessary, harmful and unlawful military presence."
Pinto also called on newly elected Democratic governors to withdraw troops deployed by their states to Washington. She urged congressional Democrats to increase oversight of federal law enforcement operations, advocating for requirements such as identifying badges and body cameras.