Senate Democrats Call Out Trump
Senate Democrats are escalating their criticism of President Donald Trump’s decision to keep National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., arguing the operation is costing taxpayers millions while delivering little measurable benefit.
In a new oversight report released Thursday, Democratic Senators Gary Peters of Michigan and Andy Kim of New Jersey claim the ongoing Guard presence in the nation’s capital is operating without clear goals, a defined timeline, or an exit strategy—while costing an estimated $1.65 million per day.
Democrats Question Cost and Effectiveness
According to the report, the deployment has already consumed hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars, with the senators arguing there is little evidence the mission has significantly improved public safety in Washington, D.C.
Peters, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said public safety is important but questioned whether the continued deployment justifies the growing expense.
He argued that the administration has failed to establish benchmarks or measurable outcomes that would allow taxpayers to evaluate whether the mission is working.
Taxpayer Price Tag Continues to Grow
The report estimates that the National Guard deployment could cost $332 million by February 28, 2026, largely due to housing, feeding, transportation, and operational expenses for Guard troops stationed throughout the city.
The senators warned that the total cost could climb even higher. Citing media reports, they suggested the operation may be extended through the end of 2026, potentially pushing the final bill far beyond current projections.
No Clear End Date Provided
According to the report, Guard leadership was unable to offer a firm timeline for when the deployment would conclude. Officials reportedly stated they were aiming to drive crime and overdose rates “toward zero,” a goal the senators described as unrealistic and potentially open-ended.
Critics argue that without defined limits, the mission risks becoming permanent—leaving taxpayers on the hook indefinitely.
Impact on Local Law Enforcement
The report also claims the Guard mission has placed additional strain on Washington’s local police force. It alleges that dozens of Metropolitan Police Department officers have been placed on leave while assigned to Guard-related duties, reducing police availability during an ongoing staffing shortage.
Privacy and Civil Liberties Concerns Raised
In addition to cost concerns, the senators flagged potential privacy issues tied to the Guard’s reported use of data analysis and social media monitoring software. They warned that such tools could raise civil liberties questions and blur the traditional boundary between military support and civilian law enforcement.
Bottom Line for Taxpayers
The report concludes that while reducing crime is a valid objective, the National Guard deployment has failed to demonstrate clear results, weakened readiness for other missions, and imposed a growing financial burden on taxpayers—currently totaling more than $1.65 million every day.
