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Newsweek

DC National Guard Changes Commander

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Major General John C. Andonie retired as interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) after more than 35 years of experience. He formally transferred authority to Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II during a combined Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on August 9 at DAR Constitution Hall. Why It Matters The DCNG plays a unique role as the only National Guard unit directly under the command of the U.S. president, rather than a state governor. Its commander often operates in a politically sensitive environment, balancing federal missions, homeland security responsibilities, and support to the D.C. mayor during emergencies. The leadership change comes at a time when Washington remains a focal point for security planning. In recent weeks, President Trump has reiterated his commitment to increased law enforcement presence in the capital to address crime and homelessness. The DCNG's readiness posture is expected to remain a key element of those efforts. What To Know Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II will serve as interim commanding general until a permanent successor is announced. The ceremonies that saw the transfer of power take place were presided over by Lieutenant General Jonathan M. Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard. "As a two-star general, Andonie extended a hand of friendship to me when I was new and unsure," Stubbs said. "He put me at ease in his own special way, and that's why, throughout his career, his focus has always been on people." Andonie spoke about the achievements of his tenure, including "strong relationships with the federal and District partners we share the 'Capital Guardians' name with" and "renewed emphasis on our wartime mission." "From 2019 to 2023, a heavy domestic operations tempo shifted our focus away from that," he said. "This year, we executed a multi-echelon training event with the Land Component Command, and our Air Wing is participating in a major exercise in the Pacific." He also said the DCNG had "embraced our 223-year history through efforts like our partnership with Congressional Cemetery to commemorate the Battle of Bladensburg each year." "The D.C. National Guard excels at its dual mission of serving both the District of Columbia and the nation," Andonie said. "We are highly responsive to local emergencies while maintaining strong readiness for federal missions. Our relationships with local and federal partners are a key strength." Major General John C. Andonie's official District of Columbia National Guard photo, taken on an unknown date. Major General John C. Andonie's official District of Columbia National Guard photo, taken on an unknown date. District of Columbia National Guard It comes as Trump has formally declared a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., triggering a federal takeover of the city's police department. During a 10 a.m. ET briefing at the White House on Monday, Trump declared Washington, D.C., "unsafe," "dirty," and "disgusting," citing graffiti, deteriorating roads, and rising public disorder as justification for sweeping federal intervention. While overall crime rates have fallen from pandemic-era spikes, according to The Washington Post, individual violent incidents have intensified the perception of lawlessness and fueled debate over local control of policing. What People Are Saying Maj. Gen. John C. Andonie said, according to DVIDS: "I believe the role of the National Guard is more relevant now than ever. Modern citizen-soldiers and airmen must be agile and flexible, as demonstrated by our Guard members responding to missions both at home and abroad. Brig. Gen. Blanchard is the right leader at the right point in our history to assume command of this great organization." Lt. Gen. Jonathan M. Stubbs said, according to DVIDS: "(Andonie is) a proven, dedicated leader, a true professional, a servant leader, and a man who genuinely cares about the soldiers and airmen he's led for over three decades." What Happens Next Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II will take Andonie's place for now, until a permanent successor is chosen - the timeline for a permanent successor had not been announced. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that members of the Washington, D.C. National Guard will begin arriving in the capital throughout the week as part of Trump's public safety emergency declaration.