President Donald Trump’s deployment of the Washington, D.C. National Guard has been extended to November 30, with Army officials approving the continuation of the mission to ensure public safety. Crime rates in the capital have dropped nearly to zero, but the additional time aims to solidify the operation’s goals.
The extension was confirmed by U.S. officials, who noted that Army Secretary Dan Driscoll authorized the plan on Wednesday. Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, announced the decision, emphasizing the need to maintain security as the mission progresses. The deployment involves approximately 950 members of the D.C. National Guard, while an additional 1,300 troops from other states remain under state control.
The move comes amid legal scrutiny, as D.C.’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the National Guard’s role in the city. The lawsuit argues that the deployment violates constitutional principles by involving the military in domestic affairs. A federal judge previously ruled that similar deployments in Los Angeles breached the Posse Comitatus Act, though the White House has appealed the decision.
In a statement to troops, Brig. Gen. Blanchard praised their service and reiterated the mission’s importance, stating, “Our mission is not complete” as efforts to ensure safety continue. The deployment remains active until November 30, with potential for further adjustments.