Trump DC National Guard Unlawful: Judge Orders Troops Home 2025

A federal judge has delivered a major legal blow to President Donald Trump’s controversial military deployment in Washington, D.C., ruling that the monthslong use of over 2,000 National Guard troops to police the nation’s capital is unconstitutional and unlawful.U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, a Biden appointee, ordered an immediate end to the operation, finding that Trump’s “military takeover” violates D.C.’s local authority and federal laws limiting domestic military use.

The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who argued the deployment bypassed the mayor’s consent and turned troops into an illegal federal police force.

Judge’s Key Findings: Why the Deployment Is Illegal

In a detailed 61-page opinion, Judge Cobb ruled:

Trump exceeded his authority under the D.C. Code by deploying the Guard for “crime deterrence” without local request
Out-of-state troops (from 9 Republican states) lack legal basis to police D.C. streets
The operation risks becoming “permanent,” eroding D.C.’s self-governance
Troops performing “beautification” tasks (trash removal, tree trimming) shows misuse of military resources

“This incursion may become permanent… given the creation of a D.C.N.G. unit specifically for law enforcement,” Cobb wrote.

Reactions: Schwalb Calls for Troops to Go Home

D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb hailed the decision: “Normalizing military troops for domestic law enforcement sets a dangerous precedent where the President can disregard states’ independence.”

Schwalb demanded the 2,300+ troops – including 1,000 from other states – be withdrawn immediately, saying the deployment “harms D.C.’s sovereignty and diverts local police resources.”

The White House fired back, calling the ruling “another attempt to undermine the President’s successful operations to stop violent crime in DC.” Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson defended the deployment as “lawful protection of federal assets.”

Timeline of Trump’s D.C. Military Deployment

Trump declared a “crime emergency” in August 2025, deploying troops without Mayor Muriel Bowser’s consent. The Guard has since patrolled the Mall, guarded monuments, and performed non-security tasks like mulching.

The ruling pauses until December 11 for appeal, but if upheld, it could end the operation by mid-December – just before the holidays.

Broader Impact on Trump’s “Law and Order” Strategy

This is the latest setback for Trump’s domestic military push:

Portland judge blocked Guard deployment in October
Supreme Court reviewing Chicago Guard case
Los Angeles deployment allowed by appeals court but under review
Tennessee judge temporarily halted Memphis Guard mobilization

Legal experts say the D.C. ruling sets a precedent that could unravel similar operations nationwide, limiting presidential power over state Guards.

D.C. officials estimate the deployment has cost $50 million+ so far, with no measurable drop in crime rates.

Critics argue it inflames tensions and erodes trust in law enforcement, while supporters claim it’s necessary for “federal protection.”

What Happens Next?

The Trump administration will appeal to the D.C. Circuit Court. If lost, the case could reach the Supreme Court by spring 2026.

Meanwhile, D.C. leaders are preparing for potential troop withdrawal logistics and budget relief.