National Guard Deployment Extended in Washington D.C. Amid Controversy

Thu Nov 06 2025 18:44:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Washington D.C. National Guard's deployment has been extended through February 28 to respond to a declared emergency as tensions rise regarding military presence and local governance.

The deployment of the Washington D.C. National Guard will continue until the end of February 2024, following a formal order to protect federal properties amid ongoing public unrest. This extension has drawn mixed reactions from residents and officials, especially in light of a lawsuit challenging the military's role in local law enforcement and beautification efforts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington D.C. National Guard will remain deployed in the nation’s capital until the end of February, according to formal orders reviewed by The Associated Press.

The order, dated November 4, extends the previous deployment established in August. It asserts that Guard members are in the city at least until February 28, as per the emergency declared by President Trump in August. The task force has been instructed to protect federal properties and assist both federal and District law enforcement.

Since August, hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington, which President Trump described as part of a “crime-fighting mission.” Although the initial federal takeover of local police expired in September, approximately 2,000 National Guard troops from D.C. and at least eight other states have continued to maintain a presence, with majority units planning to withdraw by the end of November.

The D.C. National Guard has the largest contribution of troops, with 949 soldiers supporting a total task force of 2,375. West Virginia contributes the second-highest number with 416 guardsmen.

Some troops have been armed and are present in public areas, including federal parks and subway stations, creating a noticeable military presence in Washington.

The National Guard has focused a significant portion of its efforts on community beautification initiatives in the capital, showcasing their work in clearing trash and maintaining public spaces. In early October, officials reported that they had cleared 1,150 bags of trash and pruned numerous trees, indicating a shift towards service beyond just security duties.

However, their presence in the city has sparked controversy and legal challenges. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit in September questioning the legality of the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in a predominantly Democratic city. This legal battle has garnered nationwide attention, with support varying across states.

Further complicating the situation, federal court hearings revealed plans suggesting that National Guard troops might remain in the city well into next summer, raising concerns about the ongoing military involvement in local governance.

With the order for deployment still in place, the future of the task force and its state-level contingents remains uncertain, as states prepare to conclude their deployments depending on further directives.