National Guard now patrolling DC streets under Trump’s order: Unbiased Updates, Aug. 13, 2025
The National Guard is now patrolling Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump activated 800 troops and temporarily took control of the city’s police department. The White House has called it a crime crackdown, but critics say it’s a dangerous power grab.
Plus, the countdown is on for Friday’s high-stakes Trump–Putin summit. The White House has confirmed the meeting will occur at a military base in Anchorage, Alaska — and Trump says he’ll know “within the first two minutes” whether a deal is possible.
And Texas Democrats are returning home after weeks away, claiming they blocked a Republican redistricting plan. But Gov. Greg Abbott is prepared to call them back immediately for another special session, setting up a political fight the moment they arrive.
These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025.
National Guard members now patrolling streets of Washington, DC
National Guard troops, armed and in uniform, are now patrolling the streets of the nation’s capital. President Donald Trump claimed their presence was related to crime. Critics argued it’s a power play.
On Monday, the president announced that he would activate 800 National Guard members and temporarily take control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Army officials said the guard will “assist law enforcement,” with 100 to 200 troops on duty at any given time.
Their role in D.C.? Providing administrative support, logistics and a visible presence.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the deployment will resemble the response in Los Angeles when National Guard troops patrolled during protests over the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The president activated the National Guard under Title 32, meaning they do have arrest powers. However, defense officials said that, for now, the mission is strictly to support the police.
White House finalizes Anchorage military base for Trump-Putin summit
The White House announced it has chosen a location for Friday’s historic Trump-Putin summit. The meeting will take place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
After days of scrambling and running into peak tourist season, officials decided the base was the only spot that would work.
They hoped to avoid the optics of hosting Russia’s leader on a U.S. military base, but it was the only option that met security and logistical needs, according to CNN.
According to ABC News, Trump and Vice President JD Vance will hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies. This, ahead of the president’s meeting with Putin.
Zelenskyy said he’s heard signals that Russia may be open to a ceasefire, but warned there’s no sign Putin is preparing for peace.
It will be Trump and Putin’s first meeting in six years. The White House described it as a “listening session.” The president said he intends to look the Russian leader in the eye and assess him.
The summit occurs amid high stakes and intense scrutiny of the two men’s past one-on-one meetings.
Cartel leaders flown to US from Mexico to face charges
Call it a reverse deportation. Mexico has extradited more than two dozen high-ranking drug kingpins to the United States to face justice. CNN reported they were flown to the U.S. on Tuesday as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal drugs at the border.
Among those transported to the U.S.: a figure linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and a man accused of the 2008 killing of a Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy. The only condition for their transfer is that they cannot face the death penalty in the U.S.
In February, Mexico sent nearly 30 other cartel members wanted for drug smuggling, murder and other crimes. These actions may be connected to recent trade negotiations, with Trump agreeing to delay a 30% tariff on Mexico while talks continue.
White House orders sweeping review of Smithsonian museums
The White House will closely examine the Smithsonian this morning, according to a CBS News report. The outlet obtained a new letter from the White House calling for an internal review of some of the most popular museums in the country, aiming to highlight American exceptionalism and eliminate language the president deems “divisive.”
The initial focus includes eight museums, such as the African American History Museum, the Air and Space Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. Museums have 30 days to provide information and 120 days to begin making “content corrections.”
The Smithsonian said it will review the letter and remains committed to truthful, accurate history.
This review follows a March executive order instructing Vice President JD Vance, a Smithsonian regent, to identify and remove what the White House considers “improper ideology.”
Texas Democrats to return after shutting down first special session
Texas House Democrats claim they have met their objectives — halting the first special session and bringing national focus to mid-decade redistricting. Several sources told ABC News they are now planning to return to Texas, possibly this weekend.
However, they caution that plans might change if Republicans do not uphold their promise to end the session on Friday.
Gov. Greg Abbott stated that if Democrats do not come back by then, he will call another special session immediately, continuing with the same redistricting plan and potentially additional issues.
Democrats have described the session as “corrupt,” whereas Republicans asserted they will keep calling sessions until the redistricting map is approved.
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket lifts off on first Space Force mission
United Launch Alliance launched two military satellites into orbit late Tuesday evening. Its Vulcan rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida just before 9 p.m. ET.
The rocket stands 202 feet tall and weighs 1.74 million pounds. It’s ULA’s most powerful launch yet, carrying the U.S. military’s first experimental navigation satellite in 50 years. Think of it as a test for next-generation technology, traveling at 17,000 miles per hour.
And ULA has now achieved a significant milestone: Vulcan is officially Space Force-certified to carry high-value payloads, including national security satellites, spy satellites, and other classified cargo.
The bottom line is that even with a new rocket and a new badge, the enduring force of gravity remains, and it’s still quite a challenge.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
