VP Vance, Defense Secretary Thank 800 National Guardsmen at Washington Union Station

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops stationed at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station to thank them for their efforts in reducing crime and enhancing safety across the city. Their visit, which included treating the troops to lunch, occurred amid protests with demonstrators chanting "free DC," reflecting the local opposition to President Donald Trump's deployment of approximately 1,900 National Guard members to the city. Vance highlighted a significant reduction in violent crime and robberies since the deployment began, framing the National Guard presence as a restoration of safety and order, particularly around high-crime areas like Union Station. Hegseth emphasized the mission of maintaining a safe and beautiful capital, praising the troops as patriots committed to enforcing the rule of law. The visit also took place shortly after an incident involving an armored vehicle and a civilian car near the Capitol, underscoring tensions surrounding the military presence. The administration indicated plans to sustain and potentially expand the National Guard's role in the city to continue addressing crime and public safety concerns.