National Guard Deployments Generate Nearly $500 Million in Costs
The Congressional Budget Office said that the most recent National Guard deployments cost taxpayers about $496 million between the middle and end of 2025. The estimate includes the costs of activation, deployment, compensation, logistics, and other operational costs that happen in several major US cities. Analysts said that if operations stayed at the same level, monthly costs could rise to almost $93 million in 2026.
If deployments keep happening all year, the projected spending would go over $1.1 billion, which would put a lot of pressure on federal budgets. The estimates are based on the idea that the number of troops, the scope of their missions, and their pay will be similar to those of previous National Guard activations. These estimates are meant to help lawmakers decide between the benefits of security and the costs of keeping the budget balanced and the costs of missed opportunities.
Source: CNN/Website
Costs Include Operational Logistical and Personnel Expenses
The CBO said that its study looked at both direct and indirect costs related to moving troops. These costs include transportation, housing, equipment maintenance, command support, and ongoing needs for support. A large part of the total cost was for paying employees.
Using budget data from the Department of Defense, analysts figured out that Guard members get paid about the same amount as active duty troops. The estimated annual cost per person, including benefits, was around $95,000. This kind of equality makes people spend a lot more money when they are deployed for a long time at home.
Deployments Targeted Multiple Major US Cities
The estimate included National Guard and Marine Corps deployments to Chicago, Memphis, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Portland. These actions were part of a larger federal effort to deal with crime and unrest. The analysis did not include deployments to New Orleans because the operational parameters were different.
Troops were in charge of protecting infrastructure, patrolling, and providing security support. Officials said that the missions were necessary to bring back order and keep people safe. Critics said that the deployments made it hard to tell the difference between civilian policing and military involvement.
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Lawmakers Question Fiscal Responsibility and Oversight
Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, asked the CBO to look at the effects on taxpayers. He said that the deployments were a waste of money that wasn’t properly accounted for. Merkley asked for openness about costs and results that could be measured.
He said that the government was wrong to use federal money to control cities run by Democrats. Merkley said that taxpayers have the right to know how resources are used and why. The debate shows how hard it is to balance security policy with budget discipline.
White House Defends Deployments as Crime Reduction Tool
The White House denied that the deployments were a waste of money and defended their usefulness. Officials said that crime went down in many areas in the cities that were affected. They said that having guards around made life safer and better for everyone.
Spokespeople for the administration said that media stories leave out the good things that happen to residents. They said that deterrence and visible security were 2 things that helped. Supporters said that the costs were reasonable investments in keeping the peace.
Political and Legal Challenges Complicate Deployment Strategy
President Donald Trump increased the use of the Guard despite political and legal issues. The Supreme Court turned down a request to send troops to Chicago to enforce immigration laws. After the decision, some deployments were canceled.
Later, Trump said he would be open to moving troops under different leaders. He said that some deployments were good training opportunities for the military. Legal uncertainty still affects the size and length of future operations.
Future Spending Risks Remain Under Continued Deployments
Analysts say that long-term deployments of the Guard could put a strain on both defense and domestic budgets. Costs of about $93 million per month would add up quickly without clear ways to get out. When there are competing fiscal priorities, lawmakers may have to make tough choices.
The argument brings up bigger issues about the use of the military at home. It is still hard to find a balance between public safety, fiscal responsibility, and civil liberties. Future decisions will probably get more attention from Congress and the public.
