Trump's National Guard Deployments Cost Estimated at $1.1 Billion

CBO report projects massive price tag for Trump's use of federalized troops in U.S. cities

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A new report from the Congressional Budget Office estimates that President Donald Trump's use of federalized National Guard troops in U.S. cities could cost as much as $1.1 billion this year if current troop levels are maintained. The deployments cost an estimated $496 million in 2026, with the largest share stemming from operations in Washington, D.C. at around $223 million.

Why it matters

The high costs of Trump's National Guard deployments have drawn criticism from lawmakers, who argue the funds could be better spent on other priorities. The uncertainty around the scale, duration and legality of the deployments also raises concerns about the responsible use of taxpayer money.

The details

According to the CBO report, monthly costs for the National Guard deployments vary widely by location and troop levels, ranging from $6 million for 350 Guard members in New Orleans to $55 million for nearly 2,950 personnel in Washington, D.C. The estimates include troop pay, hotel lodging and meals, but do not account for longer-term costs like education benefits and disability compensation.

  • The CBO analysis was requested by Sen. Jeff Merkley in October 2026.
  • The largest share of costs in 2026 stemmed from operations in Washington, D.C. at around $223 million.
  • Last summer, Trump deployed federalized troops into several Democratic cities, but they were later pulled from cities like Los Angeles and Chicago after the Supreme Court ruled the president lacked sufficient legal justification.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who ordered the federalized National Guard deployments to U.S. cities.

Jeff Merkley

The top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee who requested the CBO analysis.

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What they’re saying

“The American people deserve to know how many hundreds of millions of their hard-earned dollars have been and are being wasted on Trump's reckless and haphazard deployment of National Guard troops to Portland and cities across the country.”

— Jeff Merkley, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The CBO report highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight around the use of federal funds for National Guard deployments, especially given the legal challenges that have halted some of Trump's actions. Lawmakers may push for reforms or restrictions on the president's ability to unilaterally deploy troops in this manner.

The takeaway

Trump's extensive use of the National Guard in U.S. cities has come at a massive financial cost to taxpayers, with the CBO estimating the deployments could reach $1.1 billion this year. This raises concerns about the responsible use of public funds and the president's authority to send troops into local jurisdictions, especially without clear legal justification.