Hegseth expands National Guard operations in Washington, authorising patrol cars, Humvees and boats
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised National Guard troops deployed in Washington, DC, to use 60 marked patrol cars, Humvees, military tactical vehicles and DC National Guard boats, as local officials in the same city demand that the deployment end.
Two Pentagon officials confirmed to Fox News Digital that Hegseth signed an October 29 memo authorising up to 60 marked patrol cars, Humvees and military tactical vehicles, DC National Guard boats, and up to 20 light towers and generators.
Roughly 3,000 National Guard troops are deployed in the capital as part of President Donald Trump's crime crackdown.
A War Department official told Fox News Digital that the secretary had authorised the continued use of National Guard personnel and capabilities in support of the 'Make DC Safe and Beautiful' mission. According to the official, the October 29, 2026 guidance authorises the vehicles and equipment in support of federal and local law enforcement operations.
Politico first reported the authorisation. It follows Hegseth's decision last year to allow National Guard troops to carry their service-issued weapons when their mission required it.
The authorisation came as DC Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the council's public safety committee, held a hearing on Thursday examining the federal law enforcement and National Guard presence.
At the hearing Pinto said she was 'very hopeful and optimistic that we now have the partners we need at the state and congressional level to push back and demand that this unnecessary, harmful and unlawful military presence be removed from the district.'
Pinto called on the newly elected Democratic governors of Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio and Texas to withdraw the combined 628 troops she said their states have deployed to Washington.
Pinto also urged congressional Democrats to increase oversight of federal law enforcement operations in January, including requirements for identifying badges and body cameras.
