WASHINGTON—The Department of Justice has ordered a massive increase in the number of National Guard troops to be deployed in Washington, D.C., for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebration of U.S. independence.
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro justified the need for a summer surge of federal officers and troops in the city in response to “teen takeovers” that have occurred in neighborhoods like Navy Yard, despite recently-established curfew laws.
The Trump administration—along with Pirro and city politicians who have aligned with the federal government on more policing and National Guard presence—has pointed to events like a recent teen fight at a Chipotle restaurant in Navy Yard as proof of the need for more troops.
Local political officials, however, continue to neglect many of the root causes of youth crime in the city, according to residents and activists, which often stem from household poverty and a lack of spaces and jobs for youth.
The expected number of National Guard troops present in D.C. after the planned 1,500-troop increase will be 5,000 in total. Along with these soldiers, there will also be an overall increase of federal law enforcement present in the city, including officers of the FBI, U.S. Park Police, U.S. Marshals Service, and other federal groups. Federal law enforcement will be on foot, horseback, and in patrol cars all throughout D.C. Many are also armed with pistols and rifles.
These initiatives are an extension of Trump’s “Safe and Beautiful Task Force” program, which attempts to “lessen” crime through the mass militarization of the city. The reality, according to critics in D.C., is that the National Guard is present in the city to support the continued mass policing of Black and brown working-class communities in the city, an effort previously carried out by the Metro Police Department.
The National Guard has done this through various actions, such as supporting ICE arrests and increasing most of their presence in Black and brown neighborhoods in D.C. National Guard troops have also been stationed at Metro train stops as well as dispatched to patrol around commonly-visited areas. This is strategic, as they have supported the MPD in targeting fare evaders and supporting the dispersal of youth in parts of the city with active curfews.
It is also notable that the increase of National Guard troops for this upcoming summer is being done without input from D.C. city officials. This is part of a increasing trend of the federal government intervening in city affairs and putting D.C.’s “Home Rule” at risk.
Despite this, Mayor Muriel Bowser has been actively supporting increased policing, as the 2027 city budget indicates a 15% increase in funding, putting the MPD’s total at around $90 million. Federal funding for the National Guard itself has also been expensive, as around $450 million has been spent as of May 15 to maintain a troop presence. It is estimated that approximately $1.4 million is being spent each day for the military occupation of D.C.
With continued MPD cooperation with federal troops, Bowser’s backingfor more funding indicates, critics say, a lack of real pushback against Trump’s goal of and increased militarized presence in D.C.’s Black and brown communities.
Trump’s plans for America’s 250th birthday in the nation’s capital include a UFC fight in front of the White House, a sculpture garden for a handpicked list of U.S. historical figures, and other events designed to push the administration’s preferred political messaging and view of the country. Concerns about costs and the ability to complete some of the projects for the upcoming celebration have been raised. Despite this, around 25,000 people are expected to attend the celebration in the summer.
The National Guard’s presence in the city started in Summer 2025 and was promised to end after a few months. However, as time has passed, the federal government has indicated it hopes for the National Guard occupation to continue up to 2029.
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