DC National Guard marks one year of federal deployment mission

One year after President Donald Trump initiated the ‘Make D. C. Safe and Beautiful’ mission, the DC National Guard continues its deployment in Washington, D.C. The force, which began with 800 troops in August 2025, has grown to nearly 5,000 personnel, with Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard noting that approximately 10,000 soldiers and airmen have served in the mission over the past year.

Brig. Gen. Blanchard highlighted the Guard’s role in providing presence and deterrence, assisting local law enforcement, and responding to medical emergencies. He cited police data showing an overall 19% decrease in crime compared to the previous year, including declines in homicides, robberies, and motor vehicle thefts, though reports of assaults with dangerous weapons have increased. Blanchard suggested the rise in assault reports may be due to the rapid response capabilities provided by the Guard’s presence.

The mission remains a point of contention. While some residents report feeling safer, the deployment has faced opposition from the D.C. Council and the D.C. Attorney General, who filed a lawsuit to halt the operation. Because Washington, D.C. is not a state, the National Guard reports directly to the president rather than the city's mayor.