This week, as part of President Donald Trump’s extensive federal oversight of Washington, National Guard troops were seen picking up trash at notable locations like Lafayette Park, the National Mall, and the Tidal Basin. Around 110 soldiers are reportedly involved in these cleaning duties under the “Safe and Beautiful Task Force,” which is in coordination with the White House.
These actions raise questions about the image of Washington. Trump had ordered the activation of approximately 800 guard members; however, only a small fraction patrol alongside police. Most of the personnel focus on logistics and community projects, such as transporting waste, while working under the National Park Service’s guidance.
In the meantime, tourism leaders in the city are launching new advertisements to promote the capital’s appeal.
Recently, tourism has been influenced by a deeper crime agenda in the city, and this may affect how the National Guard is perceived in future deployments, perhaps even in places like Chicago.
The local tourism division, Destination DC, announced that nearly 27.2 million visitors came to Washington in 2024, spending around $11.4 billion and generating $2.3 billion in tax revenue, thus supporting about 111,500 jobs in the area.
As part of an initiative to maintain momentum, Destination DC has introduced the “We The People DC” advertising campaign, featuring 20 locals who contribute positively to the city. Following Trump’s executive order, the organization quickly aimed to counteract any negative narrative and clarify the situation.
While projections indicate a 5.1% decline in international visits in 2025, which is a bit concerning since international tourists typically stay longer and spend significantly more than domestic visitors, local officials are eyeing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the country in 2026 to attract even more interest.
Looking ahead, improvements are underway in various museums and sites, including a major renovation at the National Archives and the upcoming opening of a new immersive museum beneath the Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, preparations for a new exhibition hall at the Jefferson Memorial and completion of the National Air and Space Museum’s final gallery are in progress. There’s even a new 14-gate concourse expected to open at Dulles Airport in 2026, with substantial hotel room bookings anticipated as a result.
Meanwhile, President Trump stated, “I promised to make [Washington] safe, keep it smart, and make it beautiful.” His remarks connect the cleanup to a broader narrative about restoring the city’s image. The optics of security forces involved in cleaning vividly illustrate the ongoing political discussions about the nation’s capital.
The White House has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding these developments.
