The Trump administration has announced the withdrawal of all federal National Guard troops from U.S. cities by early 2026. This decision came after President Trump mentioned in December 2025 that his administration would consider a return if crime levels rise again in primarily Democratic cities.
According to U.S. Northern Command, all Title 10 National Guard troops were demobilized from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon, as of January 21. Back in June 2025, Trump federalized the National Guard, deploying them to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to address escalating crime rates. The situation became critical during the 2020s, when the nation experienced its largest annual increase in homicides since the FBI started tracking such statistics in the 1960s.
The Washington Post reported that over 5,000 soldiers in Los Angeles, around 500 in Chicago, and 200 in Portland were demobilized.
In response to these developments, the White House noted that Trump had clearly outlined the withdrawal plans in December 2025. He stated, “We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. This has significantly reduced crime. Without the federal government’s intervention, these cities would have faced severe turmoil.” He also indicated that troops could be sent back if crime rises significantly, raising concerns among local liberal leaders eager for their removal.
Trump emphasized, “We will be back when crime starts surging again, probably in a different and more powerful form—it’s just a matter of time!” It seemed he had little faith in the Democratic leaders of these cities to manage the situation effectively, questioning their competence.
It’s noteworthy that Title 10 troops operate under federal active duty orders and differ from National Guard troops deployed under various other legal regulations. For instance, National Guard personnel are still in Washington, D.C. while others in New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, operate under distinct agreements with state governors.
However, as of now, thousands of National Guard members mobilized under Title 10 in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland are no longer active, as confirmed by Northern Army’s website.
Critics, including local leaders in those cities, have decried the federal withdrawal as a politically charged maneuver that undermined local authority. In December 2025, the Supreme Court halted troop deployments to Chicago, pointing out that the federal government failed to demonstrate the legal foundation for military law enforcement in the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the President’s actions in October 2025, labeling it illegal and immoral, stating, “The National Guard deserves better than being treated like President Trump’s toys.” Upon their return to California, he vowed to make sure they could resume their rightful duties.
Interestingly, despite the troop withdrawal, the government is highlighting a decline in violent crime rates nationwide. The Metropolitan Police Chiefs Association recently reported significant decreases in homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults across major U.S. cities.
The White House attributed the positive crime statistics to Trump’s proactive approach to public safety, emphasizing that his strategies, including redirecting federal funds to crime-ridden Democratic cities and reinforcing law enforcement, have successfully restored order in areas that had long been abandoned by political leaders.
