National Guard deployment to Washington through 2029 will cost roughly $1.4 billion, estimate shows

The continued presence of the National Guard in Washington D.C. through January 2029 is projected to cost taxpayers around $1.4 billion, according to a Defense Department estimate provided to Congress.

This significant expenditure has fueled criticism from various quarters. Local officials view the deployment as an infringement on the city's autonomy, while some Democrats argue it has led to the militarization of the capital's streets at public expense. The deployment initially began last summer under an emergency order by President Donald Trump, intended to combat crime.

Senator Elizabeth Warren sharply criticized the cost, stating, "While American families are getting flattened by skyrocketing costs, Donald Trump is spending $1.4 billion to keep troops on the streets in Washington for years on end." She added, "The National Guard are not pawns and taxpayer dollars are not a piggy bank for Trump's political stunts."

The estimate assumes an average of 2,500 National Guard members will be stationed in Washington through the deployment period. While hundreds of troops have supported arrest operations, they have also been involved in tasks like snow removal and beautification projects. This summer, their numbers temporarily surged to about 5,000 for events surrounding the nation's 250th anniversary.

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While American families are getting flattened by skyrocketing costs, Donald Trump is spending $1.4 billion to keep troops on the streets in Washington for years on end. The National Guard are not pawns and taxpayer dollars are not a piggy bank for Trump's political stunts.