Jan 29, 2026 - News

National Guard deployment in Portland cost $26M

Nighttime scene of a group of people gathered outside a well-lit, modern building. One person wears a bright green and orange peacock costume. Two figures stand guard on the building's roof. — National Guard members never patrolled the streets of Portland, but President Trump's deployment here cost taxpayers $26 million. Photo: Sean Bascom/Anadolu via Getty Images

President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Portland to protect federal law enforcement and buildings last year cost approximately $26 million — except troops never patrolled the city.

That's more than double previous estimates.

The big picture: Portland was one of six U.S. cities where Guard members were sent between October and December, but swift legal action on behalf of the city and Oregon's attorney general put deployment on hold.

Last month, Trump backed off efforts to deploy troops shortly after the Supreme Court rejected his push to use troops in Chicago to assist with immigration enforcement.

Driving the news: The Congressional Budget Office released its findings on National Guard deployments this week at the request of Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley.

The cost estimates take into account pay and benefits, lodging, food and transportation.
Overall, nationwide Guard deployments cost federal taxpayers $496 million.

By the numbers: The average daily cost in Portland per Guard member was about $560, which included $260 for basic pay and $155 for housing.

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National Guard deployment in Portland cost $26M

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