New insights from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveal that the deployment of the U.S. National Guard to various cities under the Trump administration has incurred approximately $600 million in costs. These deployments, aimed at curbing violence and ensuring safety, have sparked debates about their necessity and financial burden.
Significant Expenditure on Guard Deployments
The nonpartisan CBO has reported that the Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard soldiers in cities such as Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, Memphis, and Washington, D.C. has cost taxpayers roughly $589 million. Excluding the late 2025 deployment in New Orleans, expenses up to December 2025 are estimated at $496 million.
With current deployment levels, an additional $93 million per month is anticipated. The CBO estimates that costs could rise by $18-21 million per 1,000 soldiers for future activations. Notably, 200 National Guard personnel remain active in Texas post-deployment in Chicago.
Uncertainty in Future Costs
CBO Director Phillip Swagel highlighted the unpredictable nature of future deployments due to varying scales, locations, and legal challenges. “The costs of those or other deployments in the future are highly uncertain,” Swagel stated, acknowledging the complex factors at play.
Mixed Reactions to Deployment Effectiveness
According to a White House spokesperson, the Trump administration views these deployments as “highly successful” in reducing violent crime. “Cities like Memphis and D.C. are much safer for residents and visitors,” said Abigail Jackson, emphasizing the positive impact on public safety.
Contrarily, some lawmakers criticize the deployments as wasteful. Senator Jeff Merkley, alongside other Senate Democrats, expressed concerns over the financial implications and questioned the necessity of these missions.
CBO’s Cost Analysis Methodology
President Trump’s directives led to the activation of thousands of National Guard personnel in various cities. The CBO’s cost analysis encompasses military pay, benefits, lodging, food, and transportation expenses. According to the CBO, the transition from non-mobilized to mobilized status incurs about $95,000 per person annually.
The CBO noted limited additional costs for equipment maintenance or replacement, as domestic deployments primarily involve small unit foot patrols, unlike combat operations.
Political and Social Implications
Lawmakers like Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Elizabeth Warren argue that the deployments are politically motivated and divert resources from pressing public needs, such as healthcare. “Our military budget is not a slush fund for the president to carry out his political stunts,” Warren stated.
The ongoing debates have prompted legislative proposals like the Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard (SUN) Act, which aims to increase transparency and oversight on such deployments.
