Multiple people shot in Washington, DC, including at least one National Guardsman
CNN2 days
Two National Guard Members Shot Near White House
Does the shooting validate Trump's D.C. Guard deployment, or expose the dangers of unconstitutional military interventions?
Above: Law enforcement responds to a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Image credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
The targeted ambush of two National Guardsmen near the White House proves exactly why Trump's deployment of troops to secure D.C. was necessary. Crime has dropped historically since the Guard arrived, and this cowardly attack on America's heroes only strengthens the resolve to keep America's capital safe. Adding 500 more troops is the right response to those who would commit violence against the nation's defenders.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's military occupation of D.C. was already ruled likely unlawful by federal courts, and now his illegal deployment has put soldiers in harm's way for political theater. The Guard was sent to address a crime emergency that didn't exist, as Justice Department data showed crime was already falling. This shooting exposes the dangerous consequences of using troops for unconstitutional law enforcement missions.