A Fox News segment turned heated Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, when guest host Jason Chaffetz clashed with contributor Ted Williams over President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy 500 additional National Guard members to Washington, D.C., following a shooting that one soldier dead and one seriously wounded near the White House.
The confrontation occurred on “The Ingraham Angle” after Williams, a former member of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, sharply criticized the president’s response to the attack. Trump had ordered the deployment after two National Guard members were shot just blocks from the White House in what authorities believe was a targeted assault.
“One of my deepest concerns right now is that the president has decided to send 500 additional National Guard members to the District of Columbia,” Williams said. “And I’m asking, why in the hell are you doing that, President?”
Williams expressed concern that the National Guard members stationed on D.C. streets would be on high alert following the attack on their fellow troops, potentially creating a dangerous situation. He referenced Kent State as an example of what could go wrong when military forces become involved in domestic situations, suggesting the deployment could have disastrous consequences.
The comment prompted an immediate response from Chaffetz, who appeared visibly stunned by Williams’ position. The guest host questioned whether Williams viewed the National Guard as allies or adversaries in the situation.
“I can’t believe this,” Chaffetz said, stopping Williams from interrupting him. “Why do you want less good guys? I’m shocked to hear you say that.”
Williams attempted to clarify his position, explaining that National Guard members lack the specialized training required for law enforcement work. The attorney emphasized that while the city welcomed the Guard’s presence on the streets, the situation should not be politicized. He argued that the focus should remain on understanding the motive behind the attack and supporting the recovery of the wounded soldiers.
National Guard troops have been stationed in the nation’s capital since August 2025 as part of the Trump administration’s federal crime crackdown in Washington, D.C. The additional 500 members represent a significant expansion of that presence in response to the shooting.
A 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal was detained in connection with the shooting. Trump addressed the attack in a video statement, describing it as an act of evil, hatred and terror. The president noted that the suspect arrived in the United States in September 2021 under Biden. However, reports indicate Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024.
The shooting occurred in broad daylight near the Farragut West Metro Station. One soldier, Sarah Beckstrom, died while Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition fighting for his life.
During the segment, Chaffetz dismissed Williams’ argument that additional law enforcement officers, rather than more Guard members, would be a more appropriate response. The guest host suggested that increasing the military presence was the correct answer to prevent future attacks.
The exchange highlighted ongoing debates about the appropriate use of military forces for domestic law enforcement purposes. While National Guard units can be deployed by state governors for emergency situations, their role in routine law enforcement remains controversial among civil liberties advocates and law enforcement professionals.
Williams maintained throughout the discussion that his concerns centered on the proper deployment of military resources and the need to avoid politicizing the situation. He stressed that understanding why someone would ambush and shoot two National Guard members should be the primary focus.
The debate concluded with Chaffetz telling Williams to reconsider his position, insisting that fewer Guard members was not the solution to preventing future attacks. The guest host argued that expanding the military presence represented the appropriate response to the violence.
The incident has reignited discussions about security protocols in the nation’s capital and the ongoing debate over the military’s role in addressing urban crime.
