Hegseth Commends National Guard for Boosting Safety Ahead of America’s 250th Celebration

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised thousands of National Guard soldiers and airmen serving in the nation’s capital, recognizing their efforts to strengthen public safety as Washington prepares for celebrations marking the United States’ 250th Independence Day.

Speaking to more than 500 Guard members at a ceremony in Washington, Hegseth thanked the troops for their dedication, saying they have played an important role in keeping the capital safe for residents and visitors alike during a historic year for the country.

Around 5,000 National Guard personnel are currently deployed in Washington, with roughly half mobilized to support security operations surrounding this weekend’s Independence Day events. Their service is part of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative, a federal mission launched in 2025 that works alongside law enforcement agencies to improve public safety, assist with immigration enforcement, and maintain public spaces throughout the city.

Highlighting the mission’s impact, Hegseth pointed to official crime statistics showing notable declines across the District. Overall crime has fallen by 22% compared with last year, while homicides are down 44%, robberies have dropped 20%, and vehicle thefts have decreased by 54%, according to Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department.

The event was attended by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau.

Nordhaus credited the deployed Guard members with numerous achievements over the past year, including helping save more than 235 lives, reuniting 27 missing children with their families, and providing critical support to law enforcement efforts aimed at reducing crime.

Miller said residents have increasingly expressed appreciation for the Guard’s visible presence, noting that many families feel safer as troops continue to patrol neighborhoods across the city.

During his remarks, Hegseth described the service members as Americans who chose duty over personal comfort, calling them an example of selfless commitment to the nation. He also led a moment of silence in memory of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed in a shooting last year, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was seriously injured in the same incident.

Concluding the ceremony, Hegseth thanked the troops for their service and said their dedication would help ensure the nation’s capital remains secure as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary and looks toward the future.
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