D.C. councilmember urges withdrawal of 628 National Guard troops from the capital

D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto has called on incoming governors of five states to withdraw 628 National Guard troops currently stationed in Washington, D.C., according to FOX 5 DC.

Pinto highlighted that Democratic governors-elect in Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio, and Texas have the opportunity to recall their National Guard units as they take office. These states collectively account for the 628 troops deployed in the capital.

The councilmember expressed concerns raised by families and educators about military operations near schools. She cited an October listening session at Bard High School in Ward 8, where students described armed troops preparing with weapons and positioning near school entrances and bus stops during the school day.

Pinto and neighborhood parents protested the deployments after troops were also seen near election ballot drop boxes. It remains uncertain whether the incoming governors will act immediately to recall their units or how the Trump administration might respond.

A federal appeals court is currently reviewing the legality of the deployments with no set deadline for a decision. Pinto urged governors to order troop withdrawals on their first day in office and called on congressional Democrats to investigate federal operations in D.C. and consider legislation restricting federal personnel from wearing face coverings on District streets.

Council leaders plan to coordinate legislative actions with incoming District officials, including Mayor-elect Janeese Lewis George and Delegate-elect Robert, to address the issue.