Nearly 8,000 National Guard members from 40 states have come to the nation’s capital for security ahead of Monday’s inauguration.
Maj. Gen. John Andonie, commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, told ABC News’ MaryAlice Parks that he has “never felt more confident” about the National Guard’s security posture ahead of the big day.
The last-minute move inside the Capitol Rotunda is something National Guard members are adjusting to, but he added that their plan is still solid.
“Actually, we rehearsed several contingencies… and that’s just one of several contingencies that we’ve been looking at. This is not surprising. This is just adjusting to the plan and adjusting to the wishes of the incoming administration to support that plan,” Andonie said.
Snow blankets the grounds of the U.S. Capitol as the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is moved indoors due to cold temperatures expected on Monday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Washington.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
When asked if this moment is different from four years ago, Andonie stated that the National Guard learned from the lessons of January 6.
“We are a learning organization, so we take those lessons from the past,” Andonie said. “We’ve adapted, we’ve changed, and now we’re in a much better position with our law enforcement partners, a lot of coordination and planning.”
He added that their main objective is security, but they will protect communication and logistics with other law enforcement agencies.
“We will have a large contingent of our forces, probably around 4,000 troops, to support law enforcement, to provide protection to our members and to provide that security around the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter portion of our capital. The forces will also be assigned as a reserve force for additional capabilities. if one is needed or needed,” said Andoni.
Asked about reports that President-elect Donald Trump has considered mobilizing the National Guard to implement plans for mass deportations, Andoni said there will be a process to request the use of the National Guard.
“We haven’t received any inquiries about that particular set of missions. . . . First of all, we should be able to trust our law enforcement officers and our civilian authorities. We are primarily a resource for them to do their jobs. If our lawmakers and our constituents ask for that help, that there is a process for that, all these requests go to the Secretary of Defense for approval, and we carry out our orders, as always from our civilian side,” said Andoni.
The U.S. Capitol is decorated with flags on the day it was announced that the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will be moved indoors due to cold temperatures expected on Jan. 20, in Washington, Jan. 17, 2025.
Amanda Perobelli/Reuters
For Sgt. Gaye-Lortu Breeze, his first assignment as a National Guardsman and also as an American citizen. He immigrated to the United States from Liberia three years ago. Breeze is with the 1067th Composite Truck Company in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, here to help with the opening.
“I’ll say what my father said when he brought us here: This country is one of the best countries you can be in. It’s opportunities for everyone, as you can see right now, immigrants like me, who are part of the National Guard. . I’m a sergeant leading my troops. It’s a great opportunity, man. .
“It’s an honor to serve, really, and it’s an honor to be here with my second family, the National Guard. It’s been a great opportunity, and it’s an honor to be here with everyone,” Pfc. Connor Kalbach told Parks.
