Hegseth Authorizes National Guard To Use Military Vehicles, Boats, Patrol Cars In DC

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued updated guidance allowing the National Guard to use military tactical vehicles, dozens of patrol cars, light towers and generators, and maritime boat assets to support law enforcement operations in Washington, according to the War Department. The authorization stems from a pair of directives issued Oct. 29 and confirmed Nov. 6. It permits up to 60 marked patrol cars, tactical vehicles, and up to 20 light towers and generators. The move comes amid ongoing legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s deployment of thousands of National Guard members supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. The Pentagon said the mission was extended through Jan. 20, 2029, with projected additional costs of $1.4 billion. Crime statistics cited show homicides down 26%, motor vehicle thefts down 40%, property crimes down 14%, but assaults with dangerous weapons up 39% and total violent crime up 12%. A D.C. judge previously ruled against the deployment, and the appeals court paused it during litigation.