WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington D.C. National Guard's deployment will continue until at least the end of February 2024, according to official orders obtained by The Associated Press. This formal order, issued on November 4, is an extension of a previous order from August 11 and is a response to an emergency declared in August by President Donald Trump, authorizing the Guard to protect federal property and assist local law enforcement in the District.
Since their initial deployment, hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington to assist with safety and security, including missions labeled as crime-fighting. During this period, the presence of Guard troops has often been felt across public spaces, ensuring security at federal parks and transportation hubs.
Currently, the District's National Guard comprises 949 soldiers, the largest contingent in a task force totaling 2,375 troops from D.C. and other states. Troops have engaged in significant community service, helping with landscaping, litter removal, and beautification projects in collaboration with local officials. However, this presence is not without controversy; there is an ongoing legal challenge concerning the legality and appropriateness of this military presence within a predominantly Democratic city.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on September 4 seeking to limit the Guard's operations, citing concerns over governance and accountability. In response, the Trump administration asserts its authority to deploy the Guard as Commander-in-Chief, citing national security measures. With a decision pending from U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb regarding the lawsuit, the fate of additional troop deployments from various states remains uncertain, with many planning to withdraw by the end of November unless further orders are issued.
Since their initial deployment, hundreds of National Guard troops have been stationed in Washington to assist with safety and security, including missions labeled as crime-fighting. During this period, the presence of Guard troops has often been felt across public spaces, ensuring security at federal parks and transportation hubs.
Currently, the District's National Guard comprises 949 soldiers, the largest contingent in a task force totaling 2,375 troops from D.C. and other states. Troops have engaged in significant community service, helping with landscaping, litter removal, and beautification projects in collaboration with local officials. However, this presence is not without controversy; there is an ongoing legal challenge concerning the legality and appropriateness of this military presence within a predominantly Democratic city.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on September 4 seeking to limit the Guard's operations, citing concerns over governance and accountability. In response, the Trump administration asserts its authority to deploy the Guard as Commander-in-Chief, citing national security measures. With a decision pending from U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb regarding the lawsuit, the fate of additional troop deployments from various states remains uncertain, with many planning to withdraw by the end of November unless further orders are issued.
