WASHINGTON (AP) — The deployment of the D.C. National Guard will be extended through February 28, according to orders viewed by reporters. This extension comes amid rising tensions surrounding the troop presence in the city.
The initial order from August was implemented following an emergency declaration by President Trump. It has transitioned from what was officially a crime-fighting initiative to focusing on community support and beautification efforts in the nation’s capital.
Although the crime-fighting mission has officially ended, around 2,000 troops from D.C. and at least eight other states continue to operate in the city. Recent reports indicate that the D.C. National Guard comprises the largest segment of this task force, with nearly 950 members engaged primarily in landscaping and public service activities.
Daily reports from the task force highlight significant contributions, including the removal of trash, planting trees, and maintaining public spaces. Community feedback has driven these beautification efforts, with National Guard units assisting local officials and residents in enhancing neighborhood aesthetics.
However, this presence has led to legal action from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The lawsuit argues against the federal deployment of guard troops in a predominantly Democratic city without local support, challenging the authority under which they were deployed. Judicial rulings on the lawsuit are pending, with the possibility of the troops remaining in the city for the foreseeable future.
Amidst these controversies, it remains uncertain how long states will keep their troops deployed or whether orders will extend beyond the planned withdrawal by the end of November. The situation continues to evolve, reflecting broader themes concerning governance and military involvement in urban settings.
