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National Guard to Remain in Washington Through Year’s End, Trump Eases Stance on Other Cities
National Guard troops will continue patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., until the end of the year, according to a Pentagon memo reviewed by The Associated Press. The document, signed Wednesday by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, states that “the conditions of the mission” justify extending the deployment beyond next month to support President Donald Trump’s “ongoing efforts to restore law and order.”
The extension comes as Trump has retreated from earlier plans to deploy National Guard forces in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon—initiatives that had triggered legal challenges from state and local officials. The president also softened his rhetoric Friday regarding his previous threat to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell protests in Minnesota.
Washington’s unique status as a federal district gives Trump significantly more authority over local law enforcement and the D.C. National Guard compared to his powers in states, allowing him to circumvent the legal obstacles he has encountered elsewhere. The president initially activated 800 D.C. National Guard members in August under an emergency order, quickly supplemented by additional troops from Republican-led states.
Currently, approximately 2,600 National Guard personnel are stationed in Washington. About 700 troops are from D.C. itself, with the remainder coming from 11 states including Indiana, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
The mission’s scope has expanded considerably since its inception. What began as a security and crime prevention operation has evolved to include urban beautification projects. A recent task force update reported that in early October, Guard members had cleared 1,150 bags of trash, spread 1,045 cubic yards of mulch, removed 50 truckloads of plant waste, cleared nearly 8 miles of roadway, painted 270 feet of fencing, and pruned 400 trees.
The deployment has not been without tragedy. Two West Virginia National Guard members assigned to the Washington mission were shot the day before Thanksgiving. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, marking the first fatality associated with the ongoing D.C. deployment.
This Washington operation represents one of several instances where Trump has sought to use federal forces in U.S. cities. In June, the president federalized National Guard troops for deployment to Los Angeles when protesters took to the streets following a surge in immigration arrests. That operation grew to include approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, who were tasked with guarding federal buildings and providing security for federal agents conducting immigration enforcement actions.
The Los Angeles deployment gradually diminished and ultimately ended in December after judicial intervention. A judge ordered control of the California National Guard returned to Governor Gavin Newsom, a ruling later upheld by a federal appellate court. On December 31, Trump announced he was temporarily abandoning efforts to expand similar operations to other cities.
These deployments reflect the administration’s willingness to use military personnel for domestic operations, a practice that has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates and state officials protective of their constitutional authority. Critics argue such deployments blur the line between military and civilian law enforcement, while supporters maintain they are necessary measures to maintain public order during periods of unrest.
The continued presence of National Guard troops in the nation’s capital underscores the administration’s focus on Washington as a showcase for its law enforcement priorities, even as it steps back from confrontations with state authorities elsewhere. As the year draws to a close, the capital’s residents will continue to see uniformed Guard members on their streets, engaged in activities ranging from security operations to urban maintenance.
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9 Comments
The decision to keep National Guard troops in Washington, DC through 2026 raises some concerns about the erosion of local control and civil liberties. I hope there is strong oversight and justification provided for this extended federal presence.
Absolutely, the long-term deployment of federal forces in a U.S. city is a sensitive issue that requires careful consideration. Transparency around the reasons and ongoing review will be critical.
Keeping National Guard troops in DC through 2026 seems like an extraordinary measure. I’m curious to hear the administration’s justification and rationale for this extended deployment. Transparency and accountability will be crucial.
The continued presence of National Guard troops in Washington, DC is troubling. I hope there will be robust public debate and Congressional oversight to ensure this decision is truly warranted and not an abuse of federal power.
I agree, this deserves close scrutiny. The tension between national security and individual freedoms is always delicate, and we must ensure the balance is appropriately struck.
Interesting that the National Guard will remain in D.C. through 2026. I wonder what the justification is for such an extended deployment in the nation’s capital. It seems like a significant security presence for an extended period of time.
I agree, the length of the deployment is quite surprising. It will be important to understand the rationale and ensure it is warranted given the potential impacts on civil liberties.
While maintaining security is important, the plan to station National Guard troops in DC through 2026 seems excessive. I wonder if there are less intrusive ways to ensure public safety without a prolonged military presence.
Good point. An extended National Guard deployment could set a concerning precedent. There needs to be a clear justification that outweighs the risks to civil liberties and local control.