Pentagon plans to keep National Guard in DC into 2029, 2 US officials say

The Pentagon has put forth a plan to extend the National Guard’s federal mission in Washington, D.C. until January 20, 2029, which aligns with the remainder of President Donald Trump’s second term, as per two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. The plan is currently in its final stages and is awaiting the approval of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

It is anticipated that Hegseth will sign off on the plan, which was finalized in late 2028, given Trump’s endorsement of the Guard’s operations in D.C. as a significant achievement. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson refrained from making any official announcements at this time but emphasized the Defense Department’s commitment to supporting the President’s efforts to combat crime in the nation’s capital.

Presently, there are approximately 2,865 National Guard troops deployed in D.C., sourced from Republican-led states with the exception of local D.C. Guard units. The force comprises units from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, with troops rotating in and out of the District on staggered schedules. While some troops have been stationed in D.C. since last summer, others from out-of-state are on shorter deployments.

The National Guard’s mission, known as “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful,” was initiated in August as part of President Trump’s initiative to deploy guardsmen in U.S. cities to support law enforcement, a move that faced legal and political scrutiny. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to withdraw troops from cities like Los Angeles and Chicago due to insufficient justification, the Guard continues its operations in Washington under a distinct framework granting the President broader authority.

Guard troops can be seen patrolling various parts of the city, including Metro rail stations, downtown D.C., and the National Mall, armed with M17 pistols or M4 rifles. In addition to security measures, guardsmen are engaged in civic duties such as cleaning up trash, maintaining landscaping, and removing graffiti.

The ongoing deployment poses challenges for the Guard as units are also deployed in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran. Tragically, three airmen from the Ohio Air National Guard lost their lives in a KC-135 Stratotanker crash in western Iraq on March 12. Furthermore, two Guard members from West Virginia were shot while on patrol in D.C. in November, resulting in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and injuries to Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

The continued presence of the National Guard in Washington reflects the complex dynamic of balancing domestic security needs with overseas commitments, as the force remains dedicated to upholding public safety and supporting law enforcement efforts in the capital.