New radiation, chemical reconnaissance vehicles developed for National Guard – Pivnenko

This article reports on the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C., which has been extended until 2029 after initially being announced for a temporary period. The deployment, initiated by President Donald Trump in August 2025, aims to combat crime in the city.

Since its inception, over 4,600 military personnel from D.C. and 24 other states have been deployed, with more expected to be withdrawn by the end of summer. The deployment has been controversial, with critics arguing that it infringes on the city's autonomy and raises concerns about a police state. The ACLU of the District of Columbia's legal director, Scott Michelman, expressed his concern about the treatment of the capital as a "police state."

Despite the controversy, some residents support the deployment, citing its contributions to safety and beautification projects. The deployment has cost about $1.4 billion, with the exact amount spent so far not readily available. The U.S. Marshals Service reported over 16,000 arrests since the surge began, including 35 homicide suspects and 3,200 narcotics arrests.

While crime rates have dropped by 20% since the deployment began, some attribute this success to local efforts rather than the federal intervention. The deployment has also sparked debate over its effectiveness and the possibility of pushback from newly elected political candidates. The residents of D.C. feel the weight of the deployment and are looking to new political leaders for a solution, though they are limited in their ability to counteract the federal government's actions.