Unpacking Trump's troop deployment as US National Guard troops arrive in capital

Members of the DC National Guard have deployed on the streets of Washington DC after President Donald Trump declared a public safety emergency in the nation's capital.

Troops are taking on logistical roles and supporting the city's police force, the US Army says.

The deployment is rare in its broad and unending nature – historically, National Guard troops have been drafted in to respond to specific events such as protests or natural disasters.

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What is the National Guard's role in Washington DC?

The US Department of Defence says around 800 soldiers are being assigned to the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force.

Up to 200 of those are expected to directly support law enforcement in the capital, taking on administrative and logistical roles, as well as providing a physical presence to back the police.

"We will work alongside all [Washington] DC police and federal law enforcement to ensure this city is safe [and] this city is beautiful," said US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

"As I always say about President Trump to the troops – 'he has their back'. 

"And my message to the National Guard and federal law enforcement in Washington is 'we have your back as well'.

"Be tough. Be strong. We're right behind you," he added.

Where will troops be based?

DC National Guard soldiers are operating out of DC Armory, a training facility for the Washington DC National Guard.

There, troops took the oath of office and signed paperwork to allow them to be deputised by the US Marshals Service.

They were also seen patrolling near the iconic National Mall in the capital, a popular spot for tourists.

Secretary Hegseth says other regional National Guard units from elsewhere in the country may also be deployed at a later date.

Why are the troops there?

Mr Trump invoked Section 740 of Washington DC's Home Rule Act in an executive order to declare a "crime emergency", allowing troops to take over the city's police force.

Speaking on Fox News, Mr Hegseth addressed the issue of enforcement.

"So, there's no rogue law enforcement going on from the National Guard, but there's also the application of common sense," he said.

"We're not going to have National Guard just sitting there like this, seeing a crime committed and not do something about it.

"You can help somebody, interdict, temporarily detain, like we did in Los Angeles, and hand over to law enforcement.

"Those are the types of things that National Guard can be trained to do."

Has this ever happened before?

This is not the first time President Trump has deployed the National Guard in controversial circumstances.

In May, troops were sent to the southern border of the US to enforce a crackdown on illegal immigration.

The president also deployed the California National Guard to Los Angeles in June to quell protests against the government's immigration policies.

Only a few hundred of those troops are still in Los Angeles, while a trial has started over the legality of the deployment.

The National Guard usually responds to requests by regional governors and is typically called on to support authorities in the event of national disasters, civil disturbances, or wildfires.