In a significant escalation of federal presence, National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., have commenced carrying weapons as part of a law enforcement initiative. This move comes amid concerns over violence in the capital and amid statements from Trump suggesting potential deployments to other major cities. The Pentagon has authorized these armed patrols to enhance security, resulting in armed National Guard units conducting operations in the city, despite criticisms regarding the accuracy of crime data and raising concerns over the implications of militarizing urban areas. Multiple states led by Republican governors have also dispatched their National Guard units to assist in the federal effort, highlighting a contentious clash over crime and federal intervention.