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The Trump administration’s deployment of federal troops to six U.S. cities has cost American taxpayers approximately $496 million through December, according to new data from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The nonpartisan agency also projects that continuing these deployments could exceed $1 billion for the remainder of the year.
President Trump has defended sending National Guard troops to these cities as necessary to combat crime and provide support to local law enforcement agencies. However, the controversial decision has faced significant criticism from those who believe the deployments violate state and local authority and stretch beyond the president’s constitutional powers.
The cost estimates were released after Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon and ranking member on the Senate Budget Committee, requested the CBO to analyze the financial impact of these federal deployments, which include both National Guard personnel and active-duty Marines.
“The American people deserve to know how many hundreds of millions of their hard-earned dollars have been and are being wasted on Trump’s reckless and haphazard deployment of National Guard troops to Portland and cities across the country,” Merkley said in a statement responding to the CBO report.
The CBO’s analysis covers deployments to Chicago, Memphis, Portland, and Los Angeles. The Los Angeles deployment began in June, when protesters took to the streets following a surge in immigration enforcement operations. According to the CBO, maintaining troops in these locations would cost approximately $93 million per month.
Notably, the CBO’s estimate does not include the December military deployment to New Orleans, which would further increase the total expenditure.
Looking ahead, the CBO projects that deploying 1,000 National Guard personnel to any U.S. city in 2026 would cost between $18 million and $21 million monthly, with variations based on each location’s cost of living. According to a memo reviewed by The Associated Press, National Guard troops are expected to remain stationed in Washington, D.C. throughout 2026.
These federal deployments have sparked legal challenges from local leaders, with some achieving courtroom victories. In January, a federal judge in California ruled that the Trump administration “willfully” violated federal law by sending National Guard units to the Los Angeles area, dealing a significant legal blow to the administration’s deployment strategy.
The deployments represent one of the most visible domestic security policies of the Trump administration and have become a flashpoint in debates about federalism, law enforcement, and the appropriate use of military resources in civilian settings.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson did not directly address the CBO’s cost projections in her statement but defended the deployments on public safety grounds.
“Thanks to the Trump Administration’s highly successful efforts to drive down violent crime, cities like Memphis and D.C. are much safer for residents and visitors — with crime dropping across all major categories,” Jackson stated. “The media should talk to individuals who are able to go about their daily lives without fear of being assaulted, carjacked, or robbed thanks to the Trump Administration.”
The administration’s claim of crime reduction success comes as criminologists and policy experts continue to debate whether federal deployments effectively reduce crime or whether other factors are responsible for any statistical improvements.
As these deployments continue into 2026, the financial implications for federal spending on domestic security will likely remain a contentious political issue, particularly as Congress evaluates budget priorities and the constitutional boundaries of federal law enforcement operations in American cities.
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10 Comments
The ballooning costs of these federal troop deployments are concerning. While public safety is critical, these actions seem to raise more questions than answers. More oversight and accountability around the use of taxpayer funds would be prudent.
I agree, the lack of clear objectives and potential constitutional issues are quite troubling given the huge price tag. Policymakers should carefully weigh the costs and benefits before continuing these deployments.
The huge price tag for these federal troop deployments is concerning, especially given the lack of clear evidence that they are achieving their intended goals. More transparency and accountability around the use of taxpayer funds would be prudent.
I agree, the potential misuse of federal power and high costs are quite troubling. Policymakers should carefully weigh the necessity and legality of these actions before committing further resources.
This is a complex and politically charged issue. While the administration claims the troops are needed to combat crime, the huge price tag and potential overreach of federal power are worrying. More transparency around the rationale and outcomes would be helpful.
Absolutely. With such a large price tag, the public deserves a clearer explanation of the goals and justification for these deployments. The constitutional concerns cannot be ignored.
Interesting to see the significant cost of these federal troop deployments. While maintaining public safety is important, the constitutional concerns and lack of clear justification raise questions about the necessity and wisdom of these actions.
I agree, the high price tag for these deployments is concerning, especially when their effectiveness and legality are in doubt. Taxpayer money could likely be better spent on other priorities.
The financial impact of these troop deployments is significant. While the administration argues they are necessary, the high costs and constitutional concerns warrant further scrutiny. Transparent justification and oversight of these actions would be helpful.
Absolutely. With such a large price tag, it’s critical that the public understands the rationale and effectiveness of these deployments. Overreach of federal power is a serious issue that must be addressed.