Hegseth Clarifies Role of National Guard in DC Law Enforcement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” sharing insights on the National Guard’s role in Washington, D.C. Members of the National Guard are granted “broad latitude” under their current authorization but will refrain from participating in direct law enforcement tasks. President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to the capital to address rising crime concerns.

During her interview, Laura Ingraham questioned if the National Guard would engage in detaining American citizens. Hegseth clarified, “Under Title 32, which is the authorization they’ll be using, they have broad latitude. But they’re not going to be involved in law enforcement functions.” Instead, they will support federal agents, similar to their role in Los Angeles.

Hegseth emphasized the proactive stance of the National Guard. “They’re going to be proactive. If you take an action or a shot at them, there will be a consequence,” he said. This deployment comes after Trump had considered the move following a violent incident involving a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) member.

Ingraham probed further about the National Guard’s response if they witness a crime. Hegseth assured that the Guardsmen would be able to “assist law enforcement,” asserting their readiness to support police efforts. He stated, “We’re not going to have National Guardsmen sitting there like this, seeing a crime committed, and not do something about it.”

The defense secretary highlighted the importance of common sense in their operations. While they won’t act as rogue law enforcement, their presence serves as a deterrent against criminal activities. Hegseth added that the National Guard could “help somebody interdict, temporarily detain, like we did in Los Angeles, and hand over to law enforcement.”

.@SecDef Pete Hegseth on @IngrahamAngle: “Whatever’s needed, the DOD will provide to make sure this is a safe city for those who live here, for those that work here, and the Americans who want to come visit here and love our capital.” pic.twitter.com/KLL8jt2RIH

— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 12, 2025

Critics, including Democrats and some media, argue that crime rates in D.C. have dropped, but statistics often omit significant crimes like felony assaults. Earlier this year, an investigation began into D.C. police Commander Michael Pulliam for allegedly manipulating crime data. This context underscores the need for additional enforcement measures.

President Trump reiterated the urgency of the situation through a post on Truth Social. He spotlighted a recent violent attack, sharing an image of a bloodied victim without revealing his identity. This incident involved former DOGE member Edward Coristine, famously known online as “Big Balls.”

Coristine recounted the harrowing event to authorities, describing how he and a woman were approached by suspects demanding her vehicle. Acting quickly, Coristine pushed her into the car for safety before facing the assailants. As police arrived, the attackers fled, but two suspects, both 15-year-olds from Hyattsville, Md., were apprehended.

This attack on Coristine follows a series of violent crimes in the city. In June, Republican intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was tragically shot, and two Israeli Embassy staff members were killed in May. These events have heightened concerns about safety in the nation’s capital.

The deployment of the National Guard signifies a decisive step to restore order in D.C. The administration, including Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel, stressed the importance of maintaining public safety. Their collective efforts aim to support local law enforcement in their ongoing battle against crime.

The National Guard’s involvement is part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of crime. By collaborating with federal agents, they hope to create a safer environment for all residents. This partnership underscores the administration’s commitment to law and order.

While some may critique the approach, the focus remains on protecting citizens. The administration believes that a strong, visible presence of the National Guard will deter criminal activity. This strategy is in line with the values and principles that prioritize safety and security.

As the situation develops, the administration remains vigilant. They continue to assess the effectiveness of the National Guard’s presence and make adjustments as needed. The goal is to ensure that the capital remains a safe haven for its inhabitants.

The actions taken by the administration reflect a dedication to upholding justice. By deploying the National Guard, they send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated. This move aligns with a broader commitment to protecting American communities.

The involvement of the National Guard in D.C. represents a significant response to rising crime rates. Their presence aims to support law enforcement and provide peace of mind to residents. This initiative underscores the administration’s resolve to maintain order in the face of adversity.