DC Guard Orders Extended Through February 2026 | JQJO

National Guard troops will remain mobilized in Washington, DC, at least through February 2026 after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth extended orders that were expected to lapse at November’s end, a move not previously reported, people familiar said. The deployment—2,387 troops as of Wednesday from DC and several states—faces a legal challenge from DC’s attorney general seeking a judge-ordered removal of roughly 2,000 troops. While Trump said in August the Guard would fight crime under Title 32 authority, members have mostly done city beautification work. The mission costs about $1 million daily, with pay at risk amid the shutdown.