National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., will now carry weapons for personal protection and are allowed to carry out law enforcement duties, defense officials said.

With several states deploying some troops to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital has around 2,000 National Guard troops deployed.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized up to 2,000 National Guard troops to carry weapons in Washington, D.C., if necessary, a Joint Task Force spokesperson confirmed to FOX 5 DC.