The National Guard is set to carry weapons in Washington D.C. as part of a crackdown on crime authorized by the Trump administration. Approximately 2,000 National Guard troops, deployed by several Republican-led states, are being equipped with service-issue weapons as they patrol the city. Pentagon officials have confirmed that this decision comes amidst concerns over rising crime rates in urban areas. Despite pushback and lawsuits aimed at halting the deployment, state governors have pledged support, citing the necessity of law enforcement measures in the capital. Skepticism remains regarding the motivations behind the military presence and potential implications for civil liberties.