Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stood firm in his defense of deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., as a response to rising crime rates. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Driscoll asserted that the 2,000 troops currently on the ground—800 from D.C. and 1,200 from six other states—are not just an asset; they are a community resource. “We are the wealthiest nation in the history of the world,” Driscoll emphasized, calling the current violent crime situation in the capital “tragic.” He expressed pride in the Guard members taking part in restoring order, stating, “From the individual Guard members I have spoken to, they are thrilled to be on this mission.”
The deployment started on August 7, and it comes amid a broader push from the Trump administration to support both local and federal law enforcement. Critics warn that this move could lead to militarization of the police, labeling it a “slippery slope.” Driscoll dismissed these concerns, arguing that “most of the reporting on the slippery slope logic around this is flawed.” He maintained that the troops’ presence is a practical measure aimed at improving safety in a city that ought to reflect high standards of public safety akin to other major cities globally.
Acknowledging the public debate surrounding this deployment, Driscoll noted that the military’s role has historically included responding to civil unrest and natural disasters. However, he recognized that long-term crime suppression is less common. The Guard is expected to serve dual purposes: helping state governors in emergencies and supporting national defense. This complexity surfaced prominently during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the January 6 Capitol riot when thousands of troops were deployed for security.
Driscoll further argued that deploying the Guard does not hinder military readiness for potential overseas missions. “These are soldiers who live here,” he stated. Their commitment to the safety of their families and communities is a key motivator. “They see the effects of crime in their own neighborhoods,” he noted, underscoring the personal stakes involved for these individuals.
As the mission continues, the authorization of some Guardsmen to carry weapons during their duties raises additional questions about the implications of their presence in an urban setting. City leaders have praised the Guard’s role in relieving the strain on local police, but civil liberties advocates remain concerned about the potential normalization of military involvement in domestic law enforcement.
Driscoll concluded his remarks with a strong affirmation of the value the Guard brings to D.C. “They’re out there contributing every day,” he insisted, pointing to the positive impact the troops have on the community’s safety. In times of growing concern about crime, such assertions about the role of the National Guard resonate as a call for clarity in a complex public safety landscape.
"*" indicates required fields
