National Guard Spotted Picking Up Trash in DC
National Guard troops activated as part of President Trump’s “federal takeover” of Washington, D.C., were seen performing cleanup duties in public areas on Tuesday. According to Fox 5 DC, a busload of troops was spotted picking up litter in Lafayette Park, located just outside the White House. Officials later confirmed that approximately 110 National Guard members were assigned to trash collection efforts in Lafayette Park, the National Mall, and the Tidal Basin.
The military office overseeing the deployment described the effort as part of the administration’s broader “beautification and restoration mission” for the nation’s capital. “We are committed to keeping DC safe and beautiful,” a spokesperson said. NBC 4 Washington reports that dozens of similar projects are planned in the coming weeks.
Not everyone welcomed the sight. Jessie Rabinowitz of the National Homelessness Law Center criticized the operation on social media, questioning the cost: “I just learned that the National Guard was seen picking up trash on White House grounds. Why are we spending $1 million a day for them to pick up trash? For one week of DC Guard deployment, we could solve homelessness for 150 people for a year.”
The joint task force overseeing the federal deployment in Washington includes 2,234 troops from National Guard units in D.C., Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
About Post Author
