CBO Report Reveals Nearly $500 Million Spent on Military Deployments in U.S. Cities During 2025
Washington, January 29, 2026:
A detailed assessment released on Wednesday has revealed that the deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine Corps personnel in major U.S. cities during 2025 imposed a heavy financial burden on taxpayers. According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the operations cost approximately $496 million between June and December last year.
The findings were shared in an official letter sent to Senator Jeff Merkley, marking the first comprehensive accounting of expenses linked to the use of military forces for domestic security roles under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Cities with Highest Spending
The report shows that Washington, D.C. accounted for the largest share of expenditure, with costs reaching $223 million, as more than 2,600 personnel continue to remain deployed in the capital. Los Angeles followed closely with $193 million spent on troop presence.
Other cities also recorded significant expenses, including Memphis ($33 million), Portland ($26 million), and Chicago ($21 million). An additional $4 million was spent in Texas to maintain around 200 personnel on standby after they were withdrawn from Chicago. The analysis does not include costs related to the New Orleans deployment, which began only at the end of December 2025.
Rising Costs Expected in 2026
The CBO has warned that if current deployment levels remain unchanged, monthly spending could rise to nearly $93 million, potentially pushing total costs in 2026 beyond $1.1 billion. Washington, D.C. alone could see expenses exceed $660 million this year if troops remain stationed throughout 2026.
The report further estimates that deploying an additional 1,000 National Guard members to any city would cost between $18 million and $21 million per month, depending on local living and operational expenses.
What the Spending Includes
Per-service-member costs range from $311 to $607 per day, covering military pay, housing allowances, healthcare, and logistical support such as accommodation, food, and transport. Activating a single National Guard member costs close to $95,000 per year, with healthcare adding over $9,000 annually.
Political and Legal Reactions
The scale of spending has sparked sharp political debate. Senator Merkley criticized the deployments as an unnecessary drain on public resources, arguing that the funds could be better used for healthcare and education. Critics have also questioned the effectiveness of the missions, noting that National Guard troops are often restricted from performing full law-enforcement duties.
The White House has defended the operations, stating that they have contributed to reductions in violent crime in certain cities. However, legal challenges persist, and a federal court ruling in California has already halted parts of the Los Angeles deployment, citing violations of federal law.
As scrutiny intensifies, the CBO report has added momentum to the national debate over the cost, legality, and long-term impact of using military forces for domestic operations.
