• Nearly 2,000 National Guard soldiers deployed in Washington, primarily around tourist areas.
• Deployment criticized as politically motivated; crime rates in the city have decreased.
• No visible National Guard presence in high-crime areas like Ward 8.
• Local leaders express concerns about militarization in Democratic-led Washington.
• White House states National Guard's role is to support federal law enforcement, not engage in arrests.

As part of a campaign against what President Trump describes as a crime epidemic, nearly 2,000 National Guard soldiers have been deployed in Washington, D.C., predominantly in tourist-heavy areas such as the National Mall. Onlookers pointed out that the troops appeared to be engaging in light-hearted activities, such as posing for selfies and enjoying local food trucks, leading to perceptions of an undemanding assignment. Sergeant Fox of the West Virginia National Guard remarked, "It's boring. We're not really doing much," echoing sentiments shared by other soldiers about their limited engagement in crime prevention efforts, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Dawn.

The troops, including over 1,200 from six Republican-led states, have been criticized by Democratic officials in the city, who argue that the deployment is more of a political spectacle than a genuine attempt to address crime. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that she doesn't believe the troop deployment is effectively tackling crime, expressing concerns about the presence of what she termed "an armed militia in the nation's capital." Interestingly, while National Guard troop visibility was high around major monuments, areas with significantly higher crime rates, such as Ward 8, saw no guardsmen present, as locals expressed a desire for more visible security where it's most needed, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Dawn.

According to Abigail Jackson, a spokeswoman for the White House, the National Guard’s role is currently limited to protecting federal assets and maintaining a visible presence, with federal law enforcement officials responsible for arrests in high-crime areas. "The National Guard is not making arrests at this time," she emphasized. The deployment comes as a part of a broader surge in law enforcement presence, including the FBI, responding to Trump's claims of a federal crime wave looms over Washington. Deploying troops for law enforcement is rare in the U.S., with previous instances primarily during significant national events, such as presidential inaugurations or civil unrest, according to Reuters, The Jakarta Post, and Dawn.