Minnesota Withdraws National Guard from Washington, D.C.

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota withdrew his state's National Guard members from Washington, D.C., ahead of schedule, stating the mission to support America 250 celebrations had concluded. The decision followed concerns that troops were being used for purposes beyond their original security mandate.

This withdrawal coincides with a push by the Council of the District of Columbia for the governors of Michigan and the U.S. Virgin Islands to similarly remove their personnel. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson argued that these troops were intended for anniversary events rather than a general federal public safety mission, stating that the presence of the troops "hurts our image" and "creates resentment."

Despite these withdrawals, the Pentagon indicated that National Guard deployments tied to President Donald Trump's crime initiative could extend through Inauguration Day 2029. While Minnesota is pulling back, governors from Georgia and Mississippi committed to keeping their Guard members in the capital to support the president's mission. More than 5,100 National Guard members remain assigned to the District.