National Guard Reclaims Washington from Crime and Chaos

It’s been a long time since Washington, D.C. felt like the capital of a civilized nation. But under the renewed leadership of President Trump, that’s changing fast and for the better.

This week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth swore in over 100 National Guard troops in front of the Washington Monument, symbolizing the growing momentum of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. These men and women part of a 2,600-strong deployment are actively reclaiming the capital from years of Democrat-fueled lawlessness.

Hegseth, never one to mince words, called it what it is: a historic reversal of decay. “D.C. went from graffiti and lawlessness to a national symbol of order.”

This transformation follows President Trump’s declaration of a “crime emergency” in August 2025, a bold move that was mocked by leftist politicians and media elites. But the results are undeniable.

Here’s how the mission is working:

• Aggressive Security Measures: Joint task forces like Task Force Yellow Hammer and Joint Task Force Magnolia patrol high-risk areas with local and federal law enforcement, securing transit hubs and neighborhoods such as Foggy Bottom.

• Urban Cleanup at Scale: Over 500 tons of debris removed. Major snow-clearing operations completed. Federal buildings and streets restored to a state that actually honors the republic they represent.

• Public Morale and Military Pride: Troops aren’t just showing up they’re reenlisting. Retention is soaring, a rare success in today’s military environment.

The contrast with the past couldn’t be sharper. Under Joe Biden’s disastrous administration, D.C. was a haven for crime, riots, vandalism, and progressive virtue-signaling. In 2023 alone, the city experienced a 35% spike in violent crime, and carjackings surged over 100%. Residents were trapped in fear, while local officials obsessed over renaming buildings and appeasing activists.

But now? The people feel the difference. “Everything is relaxing,” said Master Sgt. Michael E. Eschenfelder, a 36-year veteran whose unit has shifted from hurricane response to street patrols.

It’s not without sacrifice. Two brave soldiers Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe—were ambushed in November 2025 at a Metro station. Beckstrom paid the ultimate price and will receive the Purple Heart posthumously. Wolfe continues to recover. Their courage is a grim reminder that this fight is real and necessary.

Despite continued legal whining from D.C. officials over so-called “Home Rule” violations, the federal mission is moving forward. In fact, it’s been extended through at least February 28, 2026. Hegseth made it clear Washington belongs to the people, not the bureaucrats who let it rot.

As America nears its 250th birthday, what better symbol than a clean, secure, and restored capital city achieved through discipline, force, and patriotism?

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