WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new analysis from the Niskanen Center found that President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., reduced certain property crimes but had little measurable effect on violent crime, raising questions about the cost and effectiveness of the operation.
Trump deployed National Guard personnel to the nation’s capital last August as part of his Safe and Beautiful Task Force, an initiative aimed at reducing crime and improving public safety. The administration has since announced plans to expand the deployment this summer, increasing troop levels to approximately 5,000 ahead of events connected to America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
According to the study, the Guard’s presence contributed to a 24% decline in opportunistic crimes such as vehicle break-ins, thefts, and other property-related offenses. However, researchers found no significant impact on violent crimes, including robberies, assaults, and other serious offenses, which were already trending downward before the deployment began.
The report described the National Guard presence as a highly visible deterrent that altered behavior in public spaces but called it a “blunt and expensive instrument” for addressing broader crime issues. A Congressional Budget Office analysis previously estimated that maintaining the current deployment costs roughly $1.5 million per day.
Niskanen Center researcher Richard Hahn said the deployment produced some positive results but questioned whether similar or better outcomes could be achieved through targeted policing strategies at a lower cost.
The White House rejected the study’s conclusions. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the task force and National Guard deployment have reduced crime, improved quality of life, and enhanced the appearance of the city.
Federal officials have not announced when the planned summer surge will end or whether troop levels will return to current levels afterward.
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