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Hegseth slams protesters during National Guard event in DC
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized protesters as "ingrates" during a D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force event, defending the National Guard's presence in Washington, D.C. amid ongoing protests.
- The event saw heckling from “Free DC” protesters targeting Hegseth, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as officials praised the National Guard's role.
- President Trump deployed about 800 National Guard troops to D.C. in August 2025 following a public safety emergency declaration, with deployments continuing and over 4,000 troops currently stationed in the city.
- Trump has pushed for increased federal involvement in D.C. governance, citing crime and homelessness concerns, and established the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force in March 2025 to focus on beautifying the capital.
