President Trump’s deployment of Washington, D.C. National Guard troops to patrol the nation’s capital has been extended through December to ensure that service members receive the full scope of benefits for the mission, according to multiple news outlets.
The soldiers were placed in the district to aide in Trump’s federal takeover of local law enforcement, but not all of the nearly 1,000 members will serve until the end of the year, a National Guard official told The Associated Press.
The National Guard pointed The Hill to the Trump administration to answer questions about the efforts. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
National Guard members can qualify for military benefits such as housing payments and health care if they serve on active duty for over 30 days.
Trump revealed in early August that he would deploy the troops as part of an effort to crack down on crime in Washington. Since then, several GOP-led states have also sent some of their National Guard members to D.C.
A White House official told CNN, which first reported on the extension, that Trump is “committed to the long-term safety and security of Washington DC for its residents and visitors.”
Recently, the National Guard members began working on the “beautification” of the city., picking up trash and clearing the benches.
Joint Task Force DC said on Monday that it was aware of “concerns” regarding pay and benefits for members of the force.
“While exceptions exist, the majority of service members are mobilized on orders extending beyond 30 days, ensuring they qualify for full benefits,” the task force said, according to AP.
