National Guard Troops Clean Up Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., National Guard members are taking part in cleanup efforts across the capital.

Since their deployment, a small group of soldiers has been working on beautification projects, including spreading mulch around the Tidal Basin at the National Mall. There’s a bit of confusion, though, about whether the 2,200 Guard members sent to the area are meant to be doing this kind of administrative work.

Typically, the National Park Service is in charge of these cleaning tasks. However, a recent report highlights a significant drop in their workforce, shrinking from 200 landscape workers to just 20.

“Masons, maintenance workers, groundskeepers, plumbers—every unit is short-staffed,” one National Park Service official shared.

On Wednesday, White House officials confirmed that some of the National Guard troops are indeed engaged in cleaning duties.

“The National Guard is taking on various roles in D.C. to support efforts to enhance safety and aesthetics,” an official mentioned.

According to the official, their work involves protecting federal assets and ensuring a secure environment for law enforcement, which can help deter crime. Additionally, their engagement in beautification projects illustrates their commitment to improving the district’s quality of life.

The Joint Federal Local Task Force in D.C. has identified over 40 beautification-related projects.

While some Guardsmen are patrolling the streets, the troops involved in cleanup are unarmed.

It’s not unusual for National Guard members to engage in sanitation work; during the pandemic, for example, they were enlisted for similar efforts rather than direct law enforcement roles.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegses noted earlier this month that the military has a broad mandate for their activities in D.C., which began when President Trump deployed them on August 11. However, he clarified that they would not be involved in law enforcement.

“They’re there alongside federal agents,” Hegses added. “If any actions escalate to violence, there will be consequences.”

Major General Jim Seward from the West Virginia State Guard emphasized their readiness to collaborate with local partners to ensure a clean and safe capital.

Trump signed an executive order that day to mobilize the D.C. National Guard, while troops from other Republican-led states also joined in efforts to restore order in the capital.

The National Park Service oversaw the initiative but did not provide additional comments to the White House. Pentagon representatives were also not immediately available for inquiries.