Trump Signs Order Creating Specialized National Guard Units Nationwide

President Donald Trump has signed multiple executive orders aimed at expanding the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement, particularly in Washington, D.C., as part of his broader anti-crime agenda. These orders direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish specialized National Guard units trained and equipped to handle public order issues, with some Guard members in D.C. now authorized to carry weapons, including sidearms and rifles, marking a significant shift in military engagement in civilian areas. Trump’s orders also call for the creation of a quick reaction force for rapid nationwide deployment and include provisions for deputizing Guard members to enforce federal law under Title 32, which allows them to assist law enforcement without violating the Posse Comitatus Act. Beyond the National Guard actions, Trump has targeted local policies by signing an executive order to revoke federal funding from jurisdictions that allow cashless bail and another order directing the Justice Department to investigate flag burning, threatening jail time for those who desecrate the U.S. flag, a move critics argue conflicts with First Amendment protections. Trump has expressed confidence that Congress will support his initiatives and indicated readiness to deploy forces quickly to other cities to address crime. These measures have drawn mixed reactions, with some officials and residents opposing the federal takeover of local law enforcement and the militarization of public safety efforts.