A new estimate given to Sen. Elizabeth Warren puts another $1.4 billion on top of monthly spending that has already drawn criticism over the scope, purpose and duration of the mission.
The Pentagon expects the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., to cost another $1.4 billion from fiscal 2027 through January 2029, lifting the total projected price tag of the mission to about $2.1 billion by Jan. 20, 2029. The Defense Department estimate, provided to Congress in response to questions from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and first reported by The Washington Post, is based on an average of 2,500 Guard members remaining in the capital over fiscal years 2027-2029. The deployment began last summer after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an emergency order that the administration said was aimed at fighting crime. Armed Guard troops have since patrolled city streets, supported arrest operations and carried out other duties including snow removal and beautification projects. The Pentagon said last month the mission would continue until Jan. 20, 2029, or until terminated by the president, extending a deployment that had previously been set to expire at the end of this year. The presence of troops has drawn criticism from Washington officials and Democratic lawmakers, who argue it undermines the city’s autonomy, militarizes the capital and imposes a high public cost. Warren said the spending comes as families face rising living costs and accused Trump of using troops and taxpayer money for political purposes. Force levels climbed to about 5,000 this summer as Washington marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and 4,600 personnel from D.C. and 23 states and territories were still in the city in late July. It remains unclear how long state governors will keep their Guard members in Washington under the extended mission. Georgia had about 800 personnel in the capital, more than the D.C. National Guard, though a spokesperson said the elevated numbers were temporary. Hawaii said it would bring home 27 members later this month after the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, while Louisiana plans to keep about 150 Guard members in the city through January 2027.