National Guard Troops Extended Deployment in Washington, D.C.

National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., will remain mobilized at least through February 2026, following an extension ordered by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Initially set to expire at the end of November 2025, this extension comes amidst ongoing legal challenges from the District of Columbia's Attorney General, Brian Schwalb, who has argued that the deployment constitutes an illegal use of military forces for domestic law enforcement.

ColoradoPolitics

As of late October 2025, approximately 2,387 National Guard troops are deployed in the capital, drawn from D.C. and several states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama. The troops have primarily engaged in "beautification" efforts, such as cleaning parks and collecting trash, rather than direct law enforcement activities. Their presence is estimated to cost around $1 million daily.

Politico

The deployment has faced significant opposition. Schwalb's lawsuit claims that the mobilization violates the 1973 D.C. Home Rule Act and the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian law enforcement. Critics, including local officials and residents, have described the situation as an "involuntary military occupation." Schwalb has expressed concerns about the accountability of out-of-state military personnel policing D.C. streets.

The Hill

In defense of the deployment, Hegseth stated that the troops are tasked with patrolling communities and assisting local law enforcement. President Donald Trump initially ordered the deployment in August 2025, citing a public safety crisis in D.C. However, local crime statistics indicate a significant decrease in violent crime, with a 29% drop reported in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The Hill

While the Trump administration claims that the National Guard's presence has contributed to a decline in crime, local officials attribute the improvements to increased federal law enforcement presence, including agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department reported a 35% decrease in violent crime from 2024 to 2023, raising questions about the necessity of the National Guard's extended deployment.

The Hill

The legal proceedings surrounding the deployment are ongoing, with a federal judge recently hearing arguments related to Schwalb's lawsuit. The outcome of this case may influence the future of military presence in D.C. and the broader implications for federal intervention in local policing.

The Hill

• “What has worked is not the National Guard in helping enhance MPD services. What has worked is more DEA, more FBI,” — Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington, D.C.

The Hill

• “illegal overreach” — Brian Schwalb, D.C. Attorney General

ColoradoPolitics

• “thinks that he has to extend this order to ensure that people have access to public safety, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.” — JD Vance, Vice President of the United States.

CNN