FILE - Members of the Florida National Guard pass by people on a sidewalk, April 17, 2026, in Washington.
As featured on
Washington residents and officials see President Donald Trump’s extended National Guard deployment as an attempt to restrict the heavily Democratic city’s autonomy. The Republican president announced a crime emergency in the nation’s capital a year ago, saying the guard would make the city “safe and beautiful.” The temporary deployment has been extended through January 2029. The presence of troops raises questions about its necessity, as crime was already declining. The deployment into 2029 will cost another $1.4 billion. Political candidates are prioritizing Washington’s autonomy and statehood but face challenges due to the city’s status as a congressionally established federal district. Concerns persist about the impact on upcoming elections with troops on the streets.
