Armed Troops in the Metro: D.C. Enters a Dangerous New Phase

Trump quietly arms National Guard troops in the capital, expanding emergency powers and testing the limits of federal control.

It’s rush hour in Washington, D.C. Gallery Place is packed. The crowd shifts toward the incoming train. In the middle of the platform stands a man in uniform, not a transit cop or local officer, but a National Guardsman in fatigues, carrying an M4 rifle.

This is not in response to a riot. There’s no protest. It is just… Wednesday.