Hegseth: “We’re Taking Back the Capital”

In an exclusive interview on The Ingraham Angle, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth detailed the Trump administration’s sweeping public safety push in Washington, D.C. Following the president’s declaration of a public safety emergency, Hegseth confirmed that National Guard units will begin deployment this week, working side-by-side with local and federal law enforcement.

“This is what the American people voted for,” Hegseth said, stressing that visible strength in the nation’s capital sets the tone for the rest of the country. Drawing from President Trump’s own analogy about cleanliness in a restaurant, Hegseth said a capital city in disarray sends the wrong message to the nation and the world.

Addressing Martial Law Concerns

Critics have accused the administration of moving toward martial law, but Hegseth dismissed these claims as recycled political attacks. He pointed to the administration’s success in Los Angeles, where 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines restored order without escalating unrest.

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“The intentions of this president are to establish law and order using legal, lawful, and constitutional means,” Hegseth said. “He’s got the guts to federalize police that don’t work, bring in the National Guard, federal marshals, and park police — whatever’s needed to make this a safe city.”

Hegseth described the mission as “conditions-based,” with troop presence determined by the pace of improvement. He emphasized that the Guard will not replace law enforcement but will act as a force multiplier, assisting in arrests if crimes are committed in their presence.

Cooperation with Local Leadership

While stressing that federal authority doesn’t require local approval, Hegseth acknowledged that collaboration with community and city leaders is beneficial. He noted that Mayor Muriel Bowser, despite political differences, appears to understand D.C. residents’ frustration with crime and disorder.

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He also confirmed the National Guard will help clear homeless encampments in coordination with park police and U.S. marshals. “Wherever they need the National Guard to assist, we’re happy to be there,” Hegseth said, adding that the ultimate goal is a capital city where residents feel safe and visitors are welcomed without fear.