Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized certain National Guard units patrolling Washington to carry M17 pistols or M4 rifles under specific missions and rules for use of force.
• More than 2,200 Guard members from multiple states continue patrols in the capital under federal control of the Metropolitan Police, drawing protests and strong local opposition in polling.
• Trump said Baltimore, Chicago and New York are likely next targets and he suggested reconsidering Maryland bridge repair funds during a public clash with Governor Wes Moore.
• The Pentagon has conducted initial planning for a possible Chicago deployment, according to multiple reports, while Illinois leaders say no emergency exists and are readying legal options citing Posse Comitatus and state sovereignty.
• At the White House, Trump signed orders to restrict judges’ ability to grant bail in D.C., expand pretrial detention and staffing, and criminalize flag burning, further expanding federal involvement in local public safety.