Hegseth authorizes more vehicles and boats for National Guard in Washington

Pete Hegseth authorized more equipment for National Guard operations in Washington, D.C., including marked patrol cars, military vehicles and boats.

The Pentagon said his October 29 memo allows up to 60 patrol cars and up to 20 light towers and generators, as well as military vehicles and boat assets.

About 3,000 National Guard troops are deployed in the capital as part of President Donald Trump's crime crackdown.

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto called for the deployment to end, describing the military presence as harmful and unlawful.

She also urged governors in five states to withdraw the 628 troops she said those states had sent to Washington.

The authorization expands resources for federal and local law enforcement, while opponents are seeking greater oversight of the operation.

Pinto urged congressional Democrats to pursue oversight measures in January, including rules on identification badges and body cameras.