National Guard troops deployed to Washington DC to address a so-called 'crime emergency' are instead being tasked with groundskeeping duties, including spreading mulch around cherry trees, picking up trash, and general maintenance of public spaces. The deployment, ordered by President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism for its cost and necessity, as violent crime in the city had reportedly dropped by about 20% compared to the same period in previous years.
The troops are unarmed and may prefer these duties to more aggressive operations. However, the deployment comes amid cuts to the National Parks Service, which saw its workforce in the city reduced from 200 to 20 employees. The cost of the military deployment is estimated at about $1 million per day.
While some see the gardening tasks as a positive use of military resources, others question the rationale behind deploying soldiers for landscaping when there is no natural disaster or emergency. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over the role of the military in domestic affairs and the allocation of taxpayer funds.
