Trump's Terms National Guard troops in D.C. share their thoughts on the deployment
Sep 18, 2025
Steve Walsh, a dedicated public radio reporter, shares his compelling insights from the streets of Washington, D.C., where National Guard troops are deployed. Troops discuss their unique duties, from patrolling low-crime areas to picking up litter, emphasizing their role in ensuring safety without engaging in arrests. Listeners hear firsthand accounts of public reactions, including a reminder of constitutional rights. Walsh highlights how the broader context of their deployment shapes their experiences and perceptions.
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Passenger's Note Sparks Conversation
- A commuter handed a note thanking guardsmen and urging them to remember their oath to the Constitution.
- Guardsmen said people misunderstood their presence and now see them as helpers, not threats.
Purposeful Low-Crime Presence
- Guardsmen intentionally patrol low-crime areas so local police can focus on higher-crime work.
- They emphasized they do not make arrests and primarily support local law enforcement capacity.
Local Gratitude After Tragedy
- A man from New Orleans praised Louisiana guardsmen and linked their deployment to public safety at big events.
- He contrasted gratitude for troops with the politics of sending units to other cities.