The Cost of Deploying National Guard and Marines in US Cities: A Financial Analysis
The deployment of National Guard and active-duty Marine forces in various US cities during the last six months of 2025 incurred a cost of approximately $496 million to American taxpayers, as estimated by the government. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Phillip Swagel, if these deployments were to continue at the same scale by the end of 2025, it would amount to around $93 million per month. This information was disclosed in response to an inquiry by Sen. Jeff Merkley, revealing a general cost estimate of $18 million to $21 million per month for a 1,000-member National Guard deployment, varying based on the city's cost-of-living.
The expenses associated with these deployments were calculated considering factors such as pay and benefits for deployed Guardsmen, lodging costs away from their home stations, expenses for food, and transportation for personnel. The Trump administration deployed National Guard and Marines to six US cities during the latter half of 2025, including Los Angeles, California; Washington, D.C.; Memphis, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon; Chicago, Illinois; and New Orleans, Louisiana. The New Orleans deployment was not included in the June-December estimate as it occurred towards the end of the year.
The letter also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the future of domestic deployments, with Swagel acknowledging legal challenges faced by the Trump administration regarding the presence of the Guard in US cities. The costs associated with these deployments shed light on the financial implications for taxpayers and the government, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and planning when deploying military forces domestically.
In conclusion, the significant financial burden of deploying National Guard and Marine forces in US cities underscores the importance of evaluating the costs and benefits of such actions. The estimates provided by the CBO Director offer insights into the economic impact of these deployments, prompting a closer examination of the factors influencing decision-making regarding domestic military presence.