The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to extend the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington D.C. for an additional three years, a move that comes despite President Donald Trump's recent declaration that the U.S. capital is virtually "crime free." According to sources speaking to ABC News, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to sign off on the plan shortly, which would maintain a military presence in the city until the conclusion of Trump's second term in January 2029.
Trump's Contradictory Statements on Crime in DC
During a White House event on Thursday evening, alongside Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, President Trump boasted about the city's safety, stating, "We're just days away from the most beautiful season here in Washington, which, by the way, is a crime free city... just about." This remark highlights a stark contrast with the Pentagon's ongoing security measures, which suggest continued concerns about public safety in the nation's capital.
Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson addressed the situation in a statement to The Independent, saying, "The Department of War is committed to supporting the President's mission to address the epidemic of crime in our Nation's capital. There are no announcements to make at this time." The White House has not yet provided further comment on the reported extension.
Crime Statistics Show Mixed Results
Since Trump returned to office in 2025, crime in Washington D.C. has seen significant reductions in some areas. From January 1, 2025, to the beginning of this year, violent crime overall decreased by 29 percent. As of Thursday, it had fallen an additional 15 percent. Homicide rates dropped dramatically by 63 percent, although assault with a dangerous weapon increased by 31 percent, indicating a complex and uneven crime landscape.
National Guard Deployment Details
Currently, just under 3,000 National Guard troops are deployed in D.C., according to official data. These forces include contingents from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma, with units rotating in and out of the city to maintain a consistent presence. The troops have been a visible fixture in Washington since their initial deployment, patrolling key areas such as Metro rail stations, downtown districts, and the National Mall.
In addition to security duties, some Guard members engage in civic tasks like picking up trash, scrubbing graffiti, and performing landscaping work, as part of broader efforts to enhance the city's appearance and safety.
Trump's Focus on DC Clean-Up Operations
President Trump has long emphasized his commitment to transforming Washington D.C. into a model city. Last year, he issued an executive order establishing the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, chaired by the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Adviser. The order stated, "The federal capital city, Washington, D.C., is the only city that belongs to all Americans and that all Americans can claim as theirs. As the capital city of the greatest nation in the history of the world, it should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces."
It further emphasized that "America's capital must be a place in which residents, commuters, and tourists feel safe at all hours, including on public transit. Its highways, boulevards, and parks should be clean, well-kept, and pleasant. Its monuments, museums, and buildings should reflect and inspire awe and appreciation for our Nation's strength, greatness, and heritage. Our citizens deserve nothing less."
Implications of the Extended Deployment
The reported three-year extension of the National Guard's presence raises questions about the long-term strategy for security in Washington D.C. While Trump's rhetoric focuses on a crime-free image, the Pentagon's actions suggest a more cautious approach, possibly due to ongoing or potential threats. This discrepancy may reflect broader tensions between political messaging and practical security needs in the capital.
As the situation develops, stakeholders will be watching closely for official announcements from the Pentagon and further comments from the White House, which could clarify the rationale behind maintaining troops in a city declared nearly free of crime.
