Jan 29, 2026 - News

National Guard deployment in D.C. cost about $223M in 2025

National Guard troops walk down a snow-covered street in downtown D.C. — Some National Guard members were spotted digging people out of the recent snowstorm. Photo: Tom Brenner for The Washington Post via Getty Images

The bill is in — the National Guard deployment to D.C. cost taxpayers $223 million last year.

The big picture: The deployment of troops to six U.S. cities cost nearly half a billion dollars total, according to the Congressional Budget Office's new findings released on Wednesday.

The cost estimates include pay and benefits, lodging, food and transportation.

By the numbers: The average daily cost in D.C. per Guard member was $607, the highest among the cities.

The tab comes to about $55 million a month for a deployment size of 2,950 people, per the budget office.

State of play: Per the latest tally, 2,677 Guard members remain in D.C.

"Our Guardsmen will continue to stand alongside our local and federal partners to ensure a safe environment for everyone in the District of Columbia," a spokesperson said in its daily update issued on Thursday afternoon.

What's ahead: The National Guard is set to stay in D.C. after surviving an initial legal challenge.

Go deeper: What the Chicago deployment cost

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National Guard deployment in D.C. cost about $223M in 2025

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