CA, US & World
Fact Check: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Claims of 2024 Polling Place Troop Deployments Found False
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny following two separate testimonies before Congress this week. On Wednesday and Thursday, Hegseth claimed that during the 2024 presidential election, the Biden administration deployed troops to polling locations in 15 states.
"In 2024 – Joe Biden – troops deployed to polling locations in 15 states. Explain that one to me," Hegseth challenged during a House Armed Services Committee hearing. He repeated the assertion the following day before the Senate.
The Facts Behind the Activation
A comprehensive review of state National Guard records and official statements confirms that Hegseth’s claim is not true. While National Guard personnel were activated in several states during the 2024 election, these activations were ordered by state governors—not the President—and none involved deployment to polling stations.
Responses from 12 of the 15 states identified as having activated Guard members tell a consistent story of behind-the-scenes support:
- Cybersecurity: In states like Iowa, Delaware, and New Mexico, Guard members worked remotely or from secure "basements" to monitor election networks for cyber intrusions.
- Liaisons: In Pennsylvania and Texas, a small number of personnel served as liaisons to emergency management agencies to ensure interagency communication.
- Standby Status: In Arizona and Washington, troops were placed on standby at state installations but were never requested or deployed.
Setting the Record Straight
The confusion appears to stem from a conflation of roles. Senior National Guard Bureau official Ellis Hopkins clarified at the time that support was strictly focused on "general support or supporting cyber networks," specifically noting that no troops were in "civil response mode."
Furthermore, Oregon officials pointed out a glaring error in the claim’s logic: Oregon is a 100% vote-by-mail state and has no traditional polling places for troops to be deployed to.
While troops did assist at some voting sites in 2020 during the Trump administration, those deployments were intended to fill gaps left by poll workers sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 2024 cycle under Biden, no such presence was recorded.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 4, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.