The deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. has been extended by more than two years and will last until the end of President Trump’s term. The Pentagon confirmed the extension, stating that the mission will continue until January 20, 2029, or until terminated by the President.

Background

The deployment in Washington, D.C. has been contentious since President Trump issued an executive order in August 2025 to deal with what he called a crime emergency, calling up the Guard and additional federal law enforcement officers. The administration has said crime has rapidly fallen since then, although local officials have argued that crime was already going down before Trump ordered 2,500 troops into the city.

During their deployment, Guard members have responded to medical emergencies, assisted with arrests, helped with snow removal, and carried out beautification projects. However, some local officials have questioned the necessity of the deployment, with Phil Mendelson, chairman of the District of Columbia Council, stating that taxpayers are paying more than a million dollars a day to have them walk around.

Incidents and Controversies

A Guard member was fatally shot and another was wounded in November after authorities said a man drove from Washington state to D.C. and opened fire outside a subway station three blocks from the White House. The Trump administration has argued that the deployment has helped reduce crime, citing 12,000 arrests made by a joint task force since operations began, including 62 known gang members, and thousands of illegal firearms seized.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.