Top White House official Stephen Miller told National Guardsmen that America depends on “builders,” not “destroyers,” just days before the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Miller joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force Ceremony on Thursday, where the Daily Caller was present.
Trump administration Homeland Security Advisor @StephenM speaking to roughly 250 National Guardsmen at Meridian Hill Park:
“All of civilization can be fundamentally divided into two groups of people: BUILDERS and DESTROYERS.”
“The people who do the work to build, sustain, and… pic.twitter.com/PM1YBVABaV
— Ashley Brasfield (@BrasfieldAshley) July 2, 2026
Approximately 250 National Guard members stood in formation at the newly restored Meridian Hill Park ahead of America’s 250th anniversary weekend as Miller praised their service and described them as the “builders” who sustain civilization.
Speaking after Blanche, Miller briefly outlined what he described as the two groups that fundamentally define civilization, characterizing the National Guard as “builders.” (RELATED: Stephen Miller Says CNN Refusing To Book Him On Their Airwaves)
“All of civilization can be fundamentally divided into two groups of people: builders and destroyers.”
“The people who do the work to build, sustain, and nurture civilization. The people who serve, who sacrifice, who give, who care for others, who protect others, who defend others, and those who only destroy. Who litter, who rob, who are feeding, who deface, who degrade.”
Addressing the Guardsmen directly, Miller said civilization exists because of people willing to serve others and dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves.
“Civilization only exists because of people like you. People who choose to serve, who choose to sacrifice, who choose to build, who choose to dedicate themselves to some cause greater than their own vanity.” (RELATED: Meridian Hill Park’s Fountains Flowing Again After Nearly A Decade Amid Testing)
Miller concluded by praising the service members for their commitment to the country, “Each and every one of you is the reason why America’s future is brighter than it’s ever been before.”
Awaiting @PeteHegseth’s arrival for the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force Ceremony with the National Guard, following the restoration of Meridian Hill Fountain.
@DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/v0agT42LCO
— Ashley Brasfield (@BrasfieldAshley) July 2, 2026
— Ashley Brasfield (@BrasfieldAshley) July 2, 2026
Miller thanked the National Guard members on behalf of President Donald Trump, the White House, the U.S. government, and the American people, expressing “everlasting gratitude” for their service and wishing them a happy Independence Day.
President Trump ordered the deployment of National Guard members to Washington, D.C., in August 2025 to assist with combating violent crime in the nation’s capital. The deployment has been subsequently extended several times since, with the National Guard also aiding in homeless encampment cleanup and beautification efforts throughout the city.