Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday praised National Guard troops serving in the nation's capital, telling hundreds of service members they have helped improve public safety in Washington and ensure the city remains secure for residents and visitors.

Speaking at a D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force event honoring the National Guard at Meridian Hill Park, Hegseth thanked more than 500 Guard members for their service and said maintaining law and order is a responsibility that benefits all Americans.

"To the soldiers here, thank you for everything you're doing," Hegseth said. "Law and order is something all Americans deserve — black, white, rich, poor, man, or woman — from D.C. or far-flung places in this country."

Hegseth said many of the troops serving in Washington were deployed from outside D.C. but were carrying out a mission on behalf of the entire nation.

"You're not from Washington, most of you, but this is your capital, and you believe in this 250th year that it should be safe and it should be secure for every single citizen that lives here and every single citizen that comes to visit," he said.

Hegseth also credited President Donald Trump's administration for what he described as a significant decline in crime in D.C.

"The crime rate here has dropped by staggering amounts, and the media won't want to admit it because, of course, they have to give credit to President Trump," Hegseth said.

He urged the Guard members to remain focused on their mission despite outside criticism.

"It's incredible — Americans like you ignore the noise, and you do your job," Hegseth said.

The event recognized National Guard personnel supporting security and public safety efforts in the District as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, an initiative aimed at maintaining public spaces and assisting law enforcement in the nation's capital.

Hegseth said the Guard's presence reflects a commitment to protecting the nation's capital during the country's 250th anniversary year and ensuring Americans can safely live in and visit Washington.

The Trump administration has made public safety in the District a priority, arguing the nation's capital should be a safe destination for residents, tourists and federal workers. Administration officials have highlighted partnerships among federal agencies, local authorities and the National Guard as part of those efforts.

National Guard units routinely support civil authorities in Washington during major public events, emergencies and security operations. Troops have also been deployed to the city for presidential inaugurations, demonstrations and other events requiring additional security.

Thursday's ceremony honored the Guard members serving in the District, with Hegseth thanking them for what he called their dedication to protecting the nation's capital.