DC Ceremony Protests
Defense Secretary Hegseth's DC National Guard ceremony draws protests amid heavy security
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Key Points
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Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park) was the site of a ceremony to recognize National Guard members and celebrate the restoration of the park's fountains.
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Protesters near the ceremony included demonstrators with a Palestinian flag and a sign reading 'arrest Hegseth,' with others chanting 'Free DC.'
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Security was heavy, including law enforcement on nearby rooftops around the National Guard gathering.
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Defense Secretary Hegseth apologized for starting the event late, citing a long preceding meeting before addressing the troops.
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During the protests, participants shouted 'Guard, go home!' and 'Immigrants are welcome here!' as officials spoke about the security mission.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presided over a National Guard ceremony at Meridian Hill Park in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, drawing roughly 200 to 250 troops and top officials — and a crowd of angry protesters just steps away. NBC Washington reported the event, officially billed as a DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force ceremony, also celebrated the restoration of the park's iconic fountains.
Demonstrators waved signs reading 'arrest Hegseth,' chanted 'Guard, go home!' and 'Free DC,' and held a Palestinian flag near the park's edge, according to The Hill. Security was heavy, with law enforcement stationed on nearby rooftops throughout the event.
Hegseth Calls Protesters 'Ingrates' as Crowd Grows
Hegseth did not ignore the noise. He called the protesters 'the sound of ingrates' and said they were 'ideologically blinded.' He insisted the National Guard deployment is nonpartisan and focused on law and order. Newsweek reported he appeared visibly frustrated as chants interrupted his remarks.
Hegseth also apologized to troops for starting the event late, saying a long meeting had run over before he could address them. He then praised the Guard members for their work making Washington safer, framing the mission as a public service rather than a political act.
Miller Touts Crime Drop, Honors Fallen Guard Members
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller spoke alongside Hegseth and highlighted what he called major strides in reducing crime in the capital. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also appeared at the ceremony, according to The Hill.
The ceremony included a moment of silence for National Guard members shot in November. TRT World noted the tribute was a central part of the event's tone, mixing celebration with solemnity as officials honored those injured while on deployment duty in the city.
Protesters Push Back on Federal Presence in DC
Protesters chanted 'Immigrants are welcome here!' and 'Free DC' as officials spoke. Some carried a Palestinian flag. The 'Free DC' message reflected long-running frustration over Washington's lack of full self-governance and anger at the Trump administration's use of federal troops in the city.
NBC Washington reported the park — also widely known as Malcolm X Park — has deep community roots, adding a charged backdrop to the event. Critics questioned the optics of holding a federal security ceremony at a site with strong ties to local civil rights history.
Guard Deployments Expand Across Multiple US Cities
The D.C. ceremony is part of a broader push. The Trump administration has deployed National Guard units to several cities in what officials describe as an effort to boost security and support beautification efforts. Thursday's event was also tied to America's 250th birthday celebrations, according to NewsNation.
Supporters say the Guard's presence has made streets safer. Critics argue the deployments are politically motivated and undermine local authority. The standoff at Meridian Hill Park on Thursday put both sides of that debate on full display — and in earshot of each other.
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