Planned Withdrawal of National Guard Troops from D.C. Sparks Reactions

Fri Oct 10 2025 14:19:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Several states are preparing to withdraw National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump's crime-fighting initiative, raising questions about the military's ongoing presence in the city and its implications for local communities.

Following a federal law enforcement initiative initiated by President Trump, over half of the states contributing National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., have announced plans for withdrawal by late October and November. The drawdown comes amidst local pushback against the extended military presence, with some leaders expressing relief, yet voicing concerns about normalizing such deployments. A lawsuit challenging the deployments is set for a hearing next month.

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than half of the states contributing National Guard troops to President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting initiative in Washington are planning to withdraw by late October and November, state officials have confirmed.

The intended drawdown of troops reflects a potential shift in the scope of the military's role in the capital, as the program faces local legal challenges from cities like Chicago and Portland, which seek to halt any military presence due to ongoing crime concerns.

Activated in August to address what Trump cited as rising crime levels, the National Guard's deployment has prompted mixed reactions within D.C. communities. With over 4,000 arrests made under this initiative, questions linger about the enduring impact of such military postures.

State officials from Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia confirm plans to withdraw troops, while Alabama, Louisiana, and South Dakota did not respond to inquiries. South Carolina, for instance, is on track to pull back its troops by the end of October, while the other states aim for a November 30 deadline.

As the troop presence has merged with community initiatives such as neighborhood cleaning projects, some leaders welcome their involvement. A cleaner community is often a safer community, remarked Joseph Johnson, a local advisory official. However, others have noted that the military's role in addressing local crimes raises concerns about the normalization of military presence in civilian neighborhoods.

Local officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser, have voiced skepticism regarding the efficiency of out-of-state National Guard deployments, emphasizing the need for community-focused solutions instead. The legal landscape surrounding these deployments continues to evolve, with a significant lawsuit challenging the military presence in court scheduled for October 24.