Washington, D.C. – National Guard orders for troops deployed to Washington, D.C., have been extended through February 2026, CNN has learned, prolonging a mission initially intended to support law enforcement that has largely focused on “beautification” efforts.
As of Wednesday morning, 2,387 national Guard troops were mobilized in D.C.,representing members from DC,Louisiana,Mississippi,Ohio,South Carolina,West Virginia,Georgia and Alabama. The mission currently costs approximately $1 million daily and the pay for these guard members has been in jeopardy due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Former President Trump initially mobilized the guard in August, stating the goal was to help combat crime in the city. The troops are operating under Title 32 orders, authorizing them to conduct law enforcement activities – a distinction from Title 10 orders, which would federalize the guard and legally bar them from such roles.
Though, as their arrival over two months ago, guard members have primarily been assigned tasks such as cleaning up parks, laying mulch, and collecting trash.
A previous extension through November was primarily aimed at maintaining benefits continuity for service members and their families, according to a senior official familiar with the planning. Guard members typically become eligible for benefits like health care and housing allowances after 30 days on orders.
Former Vice president JD Vance stated in august that if Trump ”thinks that he has to extend this order to ensure that people have access to public safety, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.” CNN has previously reported frustration among guard members regarding the mission’s indefinite timeline, especially as many have left behind higher-paying civilian jobs during their deployment.
