Friend,
Today, President Trump signed a sweeping new executive order that goes even further than his armed takeover of Washington, DC.
The order directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to mobilize, arm, and organize National Guard troops across the United States for “rapid deployment” whenever he decides the circumstances “necessitate.” His order even establishes a standing National Guard quick reaction force ready to deploy into cities at his command:
"(ii) The Secretary of Defense shall immediately begin ensuring that each State’s Army National Guard and Air National Guard are resourced, trained, organized, and available to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in quelling civil disturbances and ensuring the public safety and order whenever the circumstances necessitate, as appropriate under law. In coordination with the respective adjutants general, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate number of each State’s trained National Guard members to be reasonably available for rapid mobilization for such purposes. In addition, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure the availability of a standing National Guard quick reaction force that shall be resourced, trained, and available for rapid nationwide deployment."
In his own words, Trump insists this isn’t dictatorship – but these are the actions of an authoritarian preparing to crush dissent and seize control of local law enforcement far beyond DC. He’s already signaling Chicago could be next.
This is the most dangerous escalation yet. And it proves what we’ve been warning: if Trump can pull it off in DC, he will export it to other cities across the United States.
That’s why your voice is needed right now.
— People For
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Friend,
Trump is no longer hiding it. He is using the power of the presidency to stage an armed takeover of Washington, DC.
Six Republican governors – from Tennessee, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Mississippi – have sent their National Guard troops into DC. This is not about public safety. It’s about flooding our streets with soldiers to intimidate and control.[1]
And Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has now authorized those troops to carry weapons. Armed soldiers patrolling our neighborhoods – in our nation’s capital.[2]
Trump is openly threatening a full federal takeover of the DC Police Department. And he’s making clear that DC is just the beginning. He has already floated federal takeovers in cities all across the United States.[3]
This is authoritarianism unfolding in real time. It’s a test run for how far Trump can go. And if Congress doesn’t stop him, he WILL take it further.
Trump’s playbook is clear: deploy armed troops, silence local communities, and consolidate control. If Congress fails to act, this will not stop at DC.
That’s why your voice is needed. Add it now, before Trump escalates even further.
In solidarity,
— People For the American Way
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Sources:
[1] "6th Republican-led state sends National Guard troops to DC as Trump continues law enforcement takeover" ABC News, 8/19/25
[2] "Hegseth authorizes National Guard to carry weapons in D.C. deployment" The Washington Post, 8/22/25
[3] "Trump suggests federal takeover in other cities after Washington, D.C." CBS News, 8/22/25
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