Study Finds Trump's D.C. Troop Deployment Did Not Reduce Violent Crime

A study from the Niskanen Center indicates that the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., in August 2025 did not lead to a reduction in violent crime. While the presence of troops resulted in a 24% decrease in opportunistic property crimes, such as theft and vandalism, it had no measurable impact on violent offenses. The study described the $185 million deployment as a 'blunt and expensive' measure, noting that violent crime is often influenced by deeper social issues rather than visible military presence. The National Guard's deployment was primarily in tourist areas, which are more susceptible to property crimes, but did not address the underlying causes of violent crime. The study concluded that the National Guard is not a substitute for local police forces, as they lack arrest authority. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for further comments.