Former Vice President Mike Pence said he supports President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., to address crime. Pence had earlier advocated for an deployment of National Guard troops and federal resources to the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, riots, an initial request that was ignored by Trump while Pence was in holding.
“Well, January 6 was a tragic day, but I know we did our duty that day. I wish the president would have done more, but I welcome his decision to deploy the National Guard and essentially federalize the D.C. police department,” Pence said during an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union.”
People walk past members of the National Guard patrolling near Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 16, 2025, after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and ordered an increased presence of federal law enforcement to assist in crime prevention.
Alex Kent/Reuters
“I think it’s important what the president is doing. I fully support it, and I think the American people welcome the president taking decisive action to ensure the streets of our nation’s capital are safe and also continues to provide resources across the country to make all of our cities and towns and communities safe,” he continued.
-ABC News’ Kelsey Walsh
