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The troop deployments have been a point of sharp contention between the White House and local leaders in several Democratic-led cities. Mayors and governors in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland have argued that the use of Guard forces was unnecessary and politically motivated.
Trump first began deploying troops in June amid protests against his hardline immigration policies. (Photo: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 1, 2026 03:38 IST
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his administration is withdrawing Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, while warning that federal forces could be redeployed if crime rises again. In a post on his social media platform, Trump claimed the presence of the Guard had led to a reduction in crime in the three cities and suggested the pullback would be reversed if conditions deteriorated.
"We are removing the Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, despite the fact that crime has been greatly reduced by having these great Patriots in those cities, and ONLY by that fact," Trump wrote.
"We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when crime begins to soar again - Only a question of time!"
DISPUTE OVER FEDERAL TROOP DEPLOYMENTS
The troop deployments have been a point of sharp contention between the White House and local leaders in several Democratic-led cities. Mayors and governors in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland have argued that the use of Guard forces was unnecessary and politically motivated.
Democratic officials have accused the Trump administration of federal overreach, saying it exaggerated isolated incidents of violence during largely peaceful protests to justify the use of troops. The deployments have also faced multiple legal challenges from city authorities.
Trump, a Republican, has repeatedly defended the decision to send in federal forces, saying they were needed to curb crime and protect federal buildings and personnel. He has previously argued that local authorities failed to maintain order.
COURTS PUSH BACK
Judges overseeing lawsuits brought by cities challenging the deployments have consistently ruled against the administration. Courts have found that the federal government overstepped its authority and that there was no evidence supporting claims that Guard troops were required to protect federal property from protesters.
In several rulings, judges noted that the administration failed to demonstrate an imminent threat that would justify federal intervention, undermining the legal basis for the deployments.
Trump first began deploying troops in June amid protests against his hardline immigration policies, including efforts to significantly increase deportations. Demonstrations spread across multiple cities, with critics accusing the administration of using force to intimidate protesters.
The president also sent troops to Washington, DC, and temporarily took control of local law enforcement, citing what he described as rampant crime in the US capital. Local crime data at the time, however, did not support claims of a major surge in violence.
Military officials have gradually scaled back the deployments in recent months as court challenges left the missions in legal and operational limbo. The announcement on Wednesday formalises that drawdown for Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Jan 1, 2026
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