National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., will remain mobilized through February 2026 after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended their orders, which were set to expire in November. This extension comes amid a legal battle and ongoing questions about the mission’s purpose and cost, reflecting the sustained military presence in the nation’s capital.
The National Guard deployment was initially authorized by President Donald Trump in August 2025, with the stated goal of addressing crime in the city. Troops were deployed under Title 32 orders, permitting law enforcement activities, but their actual duties have largely involved non-combat roles such as cleaning parks and performing beautification tasks. This shift has sparked debates over the mission’s effectiveness and the justification for keeping thousands of soldiers in an urban setting.
Secretary Hegseth extended the orders earlier this week, ensuring that approximately 2,000 troops from states including Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama will stay in place. The mobilization is costing the federal government roughly $1 million daily, adding financial pressure during an ongoing government shutdown that has already threatened military pay and benefits for service members.
A legal dispute is underway, with D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb challenging the deployment and requesting a court order to remove the troops from the city’s streets. Schwalb argues that there is no clear public safety emergency warranting their extended presence, highlighting tensions between local and federal authorities over the use of military resources in domestic affairs.
Many Guard members have expressed frustration with the mission’s uncertain timeline, as they often leave higher-paying civilian jobs and face disruptions to their personal lives. A previous extension through November was partly intended to secure essential benefits like healthcare and housing allowances, but the new deadline through February 2026 suggests a longer commitment that could strain morale and operational readiness.
The Trump administration has defended the deployment, with Vice President JD Vance previously stating that the president would extend orders if necessary to ensure public safety. However, critics point to the minimal impact on crime rates and the politicization of the National Guard, raising concerns about precedents for domestic military use and its implications for civil-military relations.
Looking ahead, the legal and political controversies are expected to persist, with potential ramifications for similar deployments in other cities like Los Angeles and Portland. The extension through 2026 underscores a broader trend of sustained federal intervention in urban governance, signaling ongoing debates over security, authority, and the role of the military in American society.