Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed an order authorizing the latest National Guard troops to arrive in Washington, D.C. to carry weapons if their mission requires it, according to a person familiar with the matter. The new authority is expected to be acted on in coming days, the person said.

National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., will now carry weapons for personal protection and are allowed to carry out law enforcement duties, defense officials said.

President Trump’s military presence in Washington, DC continues to escalate, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirming that National Guard troops deployed in the capitol will now be armed and authorized to carry out local law enforcement duties.