National Guard troops have been deployed in Washington, DC, leading to clashes with large groups of people on city streets, while reports circulate that local police have been noticeably absent from the scene. This ongoing deployment, now extended through February 2026 under orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has sparked significant debate about the use of military force in American cities.
Public Confrontations and Social Media Reactions
According to journalist Nick Sortor, who shared updates on X (formerly Twitter), the situation escalated when a “massive group” confronted the National Guard. Sortor’s post, which quickly gained traction online, criticized the DC police for being “MIA” and called for the Guard to be granted full arrest powers. Clips and images from the scene have circulated widely, prompting heated online discussions about security, order, and who is responsible for restoring calm.
Extended Troop Deployment and Legal Backlash
Originally set to conclude in November 2025, the military presence was extended through February 2026. The decision has split the nation: 23 states have expressed support for President Trump’s actions, arguing that ensuring safety in the capital is vital for the republic. However, 22 states—including officials in Washington, DC—have filed lawsuits calling the deployment unconstitutional and an overstep of executive power.
Federal lawsuits have also emerged to challenge similar deployments in Portland, Oregon, and Chicago, with critics stating that using the military inside U.S. cities threatens civil liberties and sets a dangerous precedent. Several legal experts and state officials argue that the National Guard should not be used for routine policing and that extraordinary measures like these undermine fundamental American values.
The Human Impact and Next Steps
Residents and activists in DC report both relief and frustration, with some seeing the troops as a necessary response to unrest and others viewing the deployment as intimidation and a threat to public rights. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges remains uncertain, but the incidents illustrate deep divisions over law enforcement, public safety, and the role of federal power in American cities.
The situation is still evolving as more lawsuits and public responses unfold, leaving many in the nation’s capital and across the country watching closely to see how leadership and the courts will resolve this unprecedented use of military power in peacetime-US neighborhoods.