Washington, D.C., has witnessed many extraordinary security measures over the years, but seeing National Guard troops patrolling near Union Station in peacetime remains quite a sight. In the wake of President Trump’s decisive federalization of certain law enforcement functions, it was only a matter of time before additional Guard units came riding in to restore calm where local authorities have faltered.

Let’s remember how this unfolded: the administration signaled its frustration with a sluggish local response to rising crime, leading to the deployment of D.C. National Guard personnel on strategic corners and major thoroughfares. Few can deny that certain sections of the city have grown so lax they feel like playgrounds for criminals. Yet, critics labeled these measures an “overreaction,” ignoring both the data and the calls from residents who fear for their safety. Pundits can pontificate, but mothers and fathers walking their kids home at night know that visible uniformed help is nothing to scoff at.

But it doesn’t stop there. Republican governors from states like West Virginia and South Carolina further pledged hundreds more troops to shore up the ranks. The president’s message is that Washington is the country’s front yard—and if local Democrats are too busy pandering to activists, then patriots from across the nation will step in. The idea of states contributing National Guard units to a federal call for safer streets underscores the unity in a broader law-and-order campaign. This is not about stifling legitimate protest but ensuring that gangs, criminals, and opportunists don’t run free in the heart of America.

Looking around the still-bustling areas near the Mall, you can see plenty of families continuing as usual, enjoying restaurants and summertime playgrounds. The presence of Guard troops, in fact, has deterred troublemakers. Yes, it’s disconcerting for some to see Humvees in places they’d normally associate with tourism. But do we really want to revert to an era where criminals brazenly attacked law-abiding citizens? As recently as last week, we saw that a D.C. National Guard member helped apprehend a suspect who allegedly assaulted a Park Police officer. Without that soldier stepping in, imagine how the suspect might have fled or caused further harm.

Naturally, local politicians who for years allowed crime to spiral are outraged at this “occupation.” They apparently prefer being outraged to actually fixing the problem. The same folks who can spend endless resources on pet projects now claim the city can’t be expected to manage rampant crime without more red tape. President Trump recognized that dithering around wasn’t enough, so he stepped up. It’s a shame local leaders required this push in the first place.

Bottom line: Americans from every state have a vested interest in maintaining the security of our capital. That’s why more states stepping in to help is not only justified—it’s a source of pride for those who reject the idea that lawlessness should be tolerated. The men and women of the National Guard aren’t jackboots stomping on civil liberties; they’re our neighbors mobilized to uphold order. It’s the fundamental duty of government to protect its citizens, and in Washington, that directive now has some real muscle behind it.

Left-wing chatter about “militarized policing” is just that—empty chatter. The administration is ensuring D.C. remains safe for its own residents and for the entire nation. If local officials had done their jobs from the start, we might not need humvees parked near historic monuments. But thanks to President Trump, real progress is underway, with or without the approval of those who watched from the sidelines as crime soared. Hope for a truly safe capital is now anchored in action, not limp hand-wringing.