Criticism of Long-Term National Guard Deployment in Washington, D.C.

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Exactly one year ago, President Trump declared a ‘crime emergency’ in Washington, D.C., alleging without evidence that violent gangs and dangerous individuals had taken over the city. He responded by deploying about 800 D.C. National Guard troops along with over 1,000 from various other states to protect citizens from supposed criminal activity. However, a year later, these deployments increased to total 4,600 troops, despite opposition from local elected officials. This use of military forces contradicts American traditions and has cost hundreds of millions of dollars, yet violent crime rates in the city have not noticeably decreased.

Trump’s declaration of a ‘crime emergency’ lacked strong justification. Murder rates in Washington had actually dropped from 274 in 2023 to 187 in 2024. Even if crime rates were increasing, it would not warrant emergency powers. Such powers are designed for sudden, unforeseen crises, not ongoing urban crime, which should be handled with regular government tools.

The use of military raises additional concerns because deploying troops for law enforcement is unprecedented and violates longstanding American values. Americans traditionally oppose military involvement in civilian matters to prevent tyranny. Military deployment should only occur when civilian authorities are overwhelmed.

Military personnel, including National Guard members, lack training to serve as police officers, making them ill-equipped to adhere to local laws, constitutional rights, and evidence handling. Over the year, incidents have occurred of improper detention and excessive force used by Guard members. The deployment’s goal of reducing crime largely failed, as studies showed minimal impact on violent crime, despite a modest decrease in property crime.

The ongoing deployment is also raising financial concerns with taxpayers spending over $3 million daily, expected to rise due to a $292 million initiative for housing Guard members on duty in Washington. While costs climb, Guard members are mostly idle, labeled as conducting ‘presence patrols’

Despite all evidence and costs, Trump plans to maintain troops in Washington, planning to extend their presence through January 2029, with an estimated cost of $1.4 billion above current expenditures. The extended deployment undermines emergency rationale, indicating a move to normalize military policing.

The extended presence might lead to more intrusive military involvement, facilitating protests policing or support if Trump tries blocking Congress’s 2028 election certification.

Ironically, armed troops patrol Washington’s streets at the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which criticized King George III for maintaining armies domestically during peacetime without legislative approval. The founding generation would have seen the dangers posed by a President normalizing military use at home. Americans must recognize the risk and call for an end to this military deployment.

Joseph Nunn is a counsel with the Brennan Center’s Liberty and National Security Program, focusing on domestic military activities, including the Insurrection Act, Posse Comitatus Act, National Guard deployments, and martial law.