National Guard Arms Up in D.C. as Trump Targets Chicago Next

National Guard units in Washington, D.C. have begun carrying firearms as part of an escalation of military presence directed by President Donald Trump. This decision follows a directive from the U.S. Department of Defense issued late last week. According to a defense department official, some troops on specific missions will be armed with handguns or rifles while operating under strict rules for the use of force.

On Sunday, members of the South Carolina National Guard were seen outside Union Station with holstered handguns. A statement from the joint task force overseeing policing in D.C. confirmed the deployment of armed units, emphasizing that force should only be used “as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.”

The presence of the National Guard comes as thousands of troops and federal law enforcement officers patrol the streets of the capital, raising concerns among local residents. The military’s increased visibility is part of Trump’s larger strategy to assert federal authority, which may extend to other Democratic-led cities, including Baltimore, Chicago, and New York.

Wes Moore, the Democratic governor of Maryland, has been vocal about his criticism of Trump’s approach. After extending an invitation for Trump to discuss public safety in Baltimore, Moore remarked that the president appears to be misinformed about the city’s crime rates. In a social media post, Trump responded to Moore’s invitation by suggesting he might deploy National Guard troops, citing his previous actions in Los Angeles against California Governor Gavin Newsom‘s wishes.

Moore highlighted improvements in crime statistics in Baltimore, noting that the city’s homicide rate fell by 24% last year, and overall violent crime decreased nearly 8% between 2023 and 2024. He described Trump’s focus on Maryland as a distraction from the realities facing families in the state, calling the president’s statements misleading.

In Washington, violent crime rates have reached their lowest levels in more than three decades, yet Trump has deployed additional law enforcement resources. The heightened military presence has prompted protests in various neighborhoods, with some residents expressing unease at the sight of armed guards in their communities.

Trump has indicated that Chicago could be his next target, stating, “I think Chicago will be our next,” during a press briefing. Reports from The Washington Post suggest that the Pentagon has been preparing operations in Chicago, potentially involving National Guard troops and even active-duty forces. This has garnered strong opposition from local leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who described the deployment as politically motivated.

Chicago’s mayor, Brandon Johnson, also criticized the potential military occupation, asserting that the city does not need such measures and threatening legal action to prevent it. He emphasized that there has been no communication from the White House regarding any military deployment, stating, “We’re not going to surrender our humanity to this tyrant.”

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton spoke out against the military presence in Washington, arguing that it disproportionately targets communities of color and raises concerns about profiling. He pointed out the racial dynamics of the cities targeted by Trump’s plans, noting that many are led by Black mayors.

As the situation evolves, the implications of Trump’s directive and the armed presence of the National Guard continue to spark debate among political leaders and residents alike. The ongoing developments highlight the tension between federal authority and local governance, particularly in areas grappling with their own public safety challenges.