In Washington, D.C., National Guard troops deployed by President Trump have begun carrying M17 pistols or M4 rifles. Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the troops to begin carrying weapons. More than 2,200 Guard troops are now in Washington.

This comes as President Trump is threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago, as well as New York and Baltimore, in what would be a dramatic expansion of Trump’s use of military force domestically.

The Washington Post reports the administration is considering deploying thousands of National Guard members to Chicago, as well as possibly active-duty troops. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the plan “the most flagrant violation of our Constitution in the 21st century.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said, “Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families.”

On Friday, Trump claimed residents of Chicago want federal forces deployed.

President Donald Trump: “And the people in Chicago, Mr. Vice President, are screaming for us to come.”

Vice President JD Vance: “Yes, they are, sir.”

President Donald Trump: “They’re wearing red hats, just like this one, but they’re wearing red hats. African American ladies, beautiful ladies, are saying, 'Please, President Trump, come to Chicago.'”