National Guard deployment to Washington, DC will cost US roughly $1.4bn

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that the extended deployment of the US National Guard in Washington, DC is expected to cost about $1.4bn, according to a Defense Department estimate sent to Congress. The estimate covers fiscal years 2027 through 2029 and assumes an average of 2,500 Guard personnel remain in the capital. The figure was shared after questions from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

The deployment began last summer after President Donald Trump issued an emergency order that his administration said was aimed at reducing crime. Since then, Guard members have patrolled streets, supported arrest operations and carried out other tasks, including snow removal and beautification work. The Pentagon said the mission will continue until January 20, 2029, unless the president ends it earlier.

The presence of troops has been sharply criticized by Washington officials and Democratic lawmakers, who say it undermines the city’s autonomy and uses public funds for a heavily militarized approach. Warren argued the spending comes as families face rising costs. Al Jazeera also notes that the cost was first reported by The Washington Post.

The article says troop numbers in the city rose to about 5,000 at one point this summer, and that personnel from DC plus 23 states and territories were still present as of late July. Some states have already begun planning withdrawals, while others have not specified when they will bring forces home.