Authored by Timothy Frudd via The Epoch Times,
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued new guidance authorizing the National Guard to use military tactical vehicles, dozens of patrol cars, boat assets, and other equipment to support law enforcement operations in Washington.
The War Department confirmed the new guidance when asked about reports concerning a pair of Hegseth directives issued on Oct. 29 aimed at strengthening National Guard patrols in Washington. The new authorization comes as President Donald Trump's deployment of thousands of National Guard members in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force has continued to face legal challenges.
"The Secretary of War has authorized the continued use of National Guard personnel and capabilities in support of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission," a War Department official told The Epoch Times on Nov. 6.
"The October 29, 2026, guidance authorizes the use of up to 60 marked patrol cars, military tactical vehicles, up to 20 light towers and generators, and D.C. National Guard maritime boat assets in support of federal and local law enforcement operations."
The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for additional comment, but was referred to the Department of War.
Trump deployed the National Guard to Washington in August 2025, saying that the city was "under siege from violent crime" and suggesting that Washington's local government had "lost
