Trump's D.C. troop deployment will continue through 2029

4 hours ago

The extension of National Guard deployment in Washington D.C. until January 2029 is estimated to cost about $1.4 billion.
The deployment began under President Trump's emergency order to fight crime, with hundreds of armed troops supporting arrests, snow removal, and beautification.
Critics, including local officials and Democrats, say the deployment infringes on city autonomy and militarizes the streets at taxpayer expense.
The cost estimate covers fiscal years 2027-2029 and assumes an average of 2,500 Guard members through January 2029.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the spending, calling it a political stunt using National Guard as pawns.
It is unclear if governors will extend their state units beyond two years; some states like Arkansas and Hawaii are reducing their troop numbers.

Donald Rumsfeld's speech on September 10, 2001, emphasized reforming the Pentagon bureaucracy, paving the way for privatization of military services.
After 9/11, Rumsfeld implemented 'Transformation,' reducing troop numbers and relying on private contractors, leading to a force imbalance in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Iraq invasion used smaller forces than recommended, causing a 'war within a war' with generals like Shinseki advocating for more troops for security.

US Central Command sent an email soliciting creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran, indicating limited options for the Trump administration.
The email was unusual and part of a brainstorming effort, with officials acknowledging the need to reevaluate strategy.
Trump threatened new strikes against Iran but called them off after Saudi Arabia's crown prince urged de-escalation.

Texas Department of Public Safety spent $4.5 million on four Chevy Tahoes equipped with Cognyte's FalcoNet cell-site simulator technology.
FalcoNet mimics a cell tower, forcing all phones in range to connect, collecting data without warrants or user consent.
Texas has no state law requiring warrants for this surveillance, unlike federal agencies which must obtain them.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated, moving away from the June 17 MoU, with Trump's objectives clouded by confusion and U-turns.
The U.S. aims to regain control of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially extending bombing campaigns, but this risks pushing oil prices toward $90 a barrel and harming Trump's midterm election prospects.
Trump proposed and then abandoned a plan for the U.S. to charge tolls for clearing the strait, embarrassing allies who view free navigation as a cornerstone of international law.

The U.S. has used up two-thirds of its Patriot interceptors, more than a third of THAAD interceptors, and a third of Tomahawk missiles since hostilities with Iran began, with replenishment taking years.
The shift to cheap Iranian drones ($30,000 each) forces the U.S. to use expensive air-defense systems like Patriot PAC-3 ($ millions each), highlighting a costly mismatch.
The munitions shortfall limits U.S. strategic options, such as escalating ground operations, and sends a message to allies that reliance on American military technology is less reliable.

Donald Rumsfeld's speech on September 10, 2001, emphasized reforming the Pentagon bureaucracy, paving the way for privatization of military services.
After 9/11, Rumsfeld implemented 'Transformation,' reducing troop numbers and relying on private contractors, leading to a force imbalance in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Iraq invasion used smaller forces than recommended, causing a 'war within a war' with generals like Shinseki advocating for more troops for security.

US Central Command sent an email soliciting creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran, indicating limited options for the Trump administration.
The email was unusual and part of a brainstorming effort, with officials acknowledging the need to reevaluate strategy.
Trump threatened new strikes against Iran but called them off after Saudi Arabia's crown prince urged de-escalation.

Texas Department of Public Safety spent $4.5 million on four Chevy Tahoes equipped with Cognyte's FalcoNet cell-site simulator technology.
FalcoNet mimics a cell tower, forcing all phones in range to connect, collecting data without warrants or user consent.
Texas has no state law requiring warrants for this surveillance, unlike federal agencies which must obtain them.

The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated, moving away from the June 17 MoU, with Trump's objectives clouded by confusion and U-turns.
The U.S. aims to regain control of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially extending bombing campaigns, but this risks pushing oil prices toward $90 a barrel and harming Trump's midterm election prospects.
Trump proposed and then abandoned a plan for the U.S. to charge tolls for clearing the strait, embarrassing allies who view free navigation as a cornerstone of international law.

The U.S. has used up two-thirds of its Patriot interceptors, more than a third of THAAD interceptors, and a third of Tomahawk missiles since hostilities with Iran began, with replenishment taking years.
The shift to cheap Iranian drones ($30,000 each) forces the U.S. to use expensive air-defense systems like Patriot PAC-3 ($ millions each), highlighting a costly mismatch.
The munitions shortfall limits U.S. strategic options, such as escalating ground operations, and sends a message to allies that reliance on American military technology is less reliable.

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