Hegseth Thanks National Guard for D.C. Mission Ahead of Nation's 250th

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised the National Guard soldiers and airmen currently mobilized in the nation's capital during remarks today at a local park in Washington.

There are roughly 5,000 guardsmen - half of whom have been recently called up in support of this weekend's coming Independence Day, 250th national birthday celebration - participating in the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.

Established by a presidential executive order in March 2025 and falling under the command of Joint Task Force District of Columbia, Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful coordinates with law enforcement and urban maintenance to reduce crime, increase immigration enforcement, and beautify public spaces and monuments across the city.

"To the soldiers here, thank you for everything you're doing. … Law and order is something all Americans deserve - black, white, rich, poor, man or woman - from D.C. or far-flung places in this country," Hegseth told a large formation of more than 500 guardsmen who attended the event, adding that the service members currently serving in D.C. are emblematic of such a mix of Americans.

"You're not from Washington, most of you, but this is your capital; and you believe in its 250th year that it should be safe and it should be secure for every single citizen that lives here and every single citizen that comes to visit in this 250th year," Hegseth said.

The secretary noted that, since the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission began, crime rates in Washington have markedly dropped.

According to Washington's Metropolitan Police Department, crime in the District is down 22% overall from 2025.

Specifically: homicides are down 44%, robberies are down 20%, and motor vehicle theft is down 54%.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During brief remarks at the start of the event, Nordhaus listed some specific successes the guardsmen have had over the past year.

"You all have saved over 235 lives. … You have restored children back to their families 27 times, and you have done amazing things in support of law enforcement to make sure we reduce crime," he told the formation.

Miller pointed out that he's been hearing how much safer residents feel since the mission began, including from parents who tell their children to stand near patrolling guardsmen while waiting to be picked up.

"You cannot put a dollar value on what you have provided to not only the people who live in this city, but to the people who visit this city," Miller said.

"The reason why this city is a safe and beautiful place 250 years into our great republic [is] incredible Americans like you who ignore the noise and … do your job. And you do it with courage, and you do it with professionalism, and you do it because you love your country - which is why you raised your right hand in the first place," Hegseth told the guardsmen.

He added that, despite the large number of government "elites" residing in the greater D.C. area, he views the men and women in uniform currently serving as the true elites.

"I'm talking about all of you: the real 1% … of America who raised your right hand to serve something bigger than yourself when you could have done anything else," Hegseth said.

Before wrapping his remarks, Hegseth called for a moment of silence in honor of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, the former of whom lost her life and the latter of whom was badly injured in a shooting in D.C. last fall.

"As the Bible says, there's no higher calling. You are willing to put your life on the line for other people; it's a testament to who you are," Hegseth said, before once again thanking the guardsmen for all the work they've been putting in.

"You make our country proud at 250 years, and future generations will stand on your shoulders to ensure America's capital and this great republic endure for another 250," Hegseth said.

"It's an honor to serve you, and please know every single day we have your back in everything you do," he added.