Pete Hegseth

Amid increasing security threats to senior U.S. officials, several members of the second Trump administration have moved into military housing near Washington, D.C. The decision highlights a proactive approach to safety and continuity — and it’s part of a longstanding American tradition of protecting public leaders. While the clustering of top officials in military quarters may seem unusual, this move is neither new nor partisan. Across administrations, senior defense and state officials have sought secure housing on military installations to safeguard themselves, their families, and the sensitive work they perform. Fort McNair Becomes a Safe Haven At the heart of this shift is Fort McNair, one of the oldest military posts in the United States. Nestled along the Anacostia River, the fort’s stately homes have long served as residences for the Army’s top generals. (MORE NEWS: ICE Blocked by Pritzker’s Sanctuary Law After Fatal Crash) Today, it houses several of the nation’s most prominent civilian leaders — including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior adviser Stephen Miller. Both men moved into the base following rising security concerns linked to personal threats, online doxxing, and escalating harassment. Hegseth occupies Quarters 8, the historic home traditionally reserved for the Army’s vice chief of staff. When that role became vacant earlier this tear, the property became available. The defense secretary seized the opportunity to live in a secure, strategically located environment. Miller, a longtime policy architect for Trump, also relocated to Fort McNair. According to a report from The Atlantic, his move followed an uptick in threats to his family and private residence. Living behind military gates ensures both safety and privacy while allowing him to remain close to the White House and Pentagon. A Storied Residence With Deep History Quarters 8 at Fort McNair is far more than a home — it’s a symbol of American military heritage. Guarded by two Revolutionary War-era cannons, the brick residence looks over the river with the elegance of a bygone era. Retired Army General Dennis J. Reimer, who lived there in the early 1990s, once described it as “like something out of the movies — you have that spiral staircase and you’re right over a riverbank.” The house carries other stories, too. One of its past occupants, General Maxwell R. Thurman, coined the Army’s 1980s recruiting slogan “Be All That You Can Be.” In a charming footnote to history, Thurman even buried his dog in the yard, marking the grave with a plaque that read: “Here lies Fido. He was all he could be.” These anecdotes show that Quarters 8 is more than a safe refuge — it’s part of a living tradition that blends history, honor, and service. Other Officials Follow the Trend Several other Trump officials have joined this quiet migration into secure government quarters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio moved into a nearby military residence, while his family remained in Florida. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem resides in a Coast Guard–owned government representation facility, where she pays fair-market rent, according to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll and Navy Secretary John Phelan also relocated to military housing. Phelan’s move followed a fire that damaged his Washington home earlier this year. Each of these decisions reflects a growing emphasis on security, operational readiness, and stability — not extravagance. A Tradition That Spans Administrations Although several cabinet officials moving into military quarters at once is rare, there is ample precedent for such arrangements. During President George W. Bush’s administration, Defense Secretary Robert Gates requested government housing and lived in an official residence near the State Department. His successor, Leon Panetta, was offered the same home, known as Navy Hill, which featured secure communications lines for classified discussions. Even during Trump’s first term, Jim Mattis and Mike Pompeo briefly lived in military housing. And decades earlier, Congress designated the Vice President’s Residence at the Naval Observatory in 1974. The home, once belonging to the Navy’s chief of operations, was made a government residence for security reasons. (MORE NEWS: Portland Police Go Easy on Antifa…Again) These examples demonstrate that the recent moves are part of a long, bipartisan tradition of ensuring that senior national leaders can operate safely and efficiently in a high-threat environment. Security and Readiness in Modern Times Experts note that the threats facing government leaders today are more complex than ever. Beyond physical risks, officials contend with digital harassment, online stalking, and targeted misinformation campaigns. By moving into military facilities like Fort McNair, leaders gain 24-hour protection, secure communication systems, and rapid emergency response access. Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explained it simply: “Any time there’s an emergency, they’ve got to be able to respond quickly. Having that housing close by is important.” Far from symbolizing isolation, these relocations show adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. They also reflect a commitment to maintaining focus on national priorities. A Positive Step for Safety and Stability For Trump’s senior officials, moving onto military bases like Fort McNair represents a practical, measured response to modern threats. It also reinforces cooperation between civilian and military institutions — a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared responsibility for national defense. These officials continue a tradition that stretches back half a century: ensuring leaders can “be all they can be,” protected and prepared. Final Takeaway From the historic corridors of Quarters 8 to the nearby Coast Guard facilities along the Potomac, today’s officials are walking in the footsteps of their predecessors. The motivation remains the same — safety, service, and stewardship. As public threats evolve, so too must the government’s approach to protecting those who serve at its highest levels. By taking these precautions, the Trump administration reinforces a timeless truth: safeguarding its leaders strengthens the nation itself. Unmask the Narrative. Rip Through the Lies. Spread the Truth. At The Modern Memo, we don’t polish propaganda — we tear it to shreds. The corporate press censors, spins, and sugarcoats. We don’t. If you’re tired of being misled, silenced, and spoon-fed fiction, help us expose what they…