President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of National Guard troops from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, ending federal deployments that were put in place to address unrest and public safety concerns. Fox News reported the decision followed assessments that local and state authorities are now capable of maintaining order without federal assistance. The move reinforces the administration’s position that National Guard deployments are temporary measures, not permanent solutions.
The Guard was originally deployed after repeated incidents of violence, riots, and crime overwhelmed local law enforcement in the three cities. Federal officials said the troops were used to protect critical infrastructure, support police operations, and deter further disorder. The Trump administration framed the deployments as necessary after city leadership failed to maintain control.
Administration officials said conditions in the affected cities have stabilized enough to allow Guard units to stand down. They emphasized that the federal government remains prepared to redeploy forces if violence resurges or local officials again lose control. The withdrawal places renewed responsibility squarely on city and state leaders.
The decision has renewed scrutiny of Democratic leadership in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, all of which have faced criticism over crime rates, reduced policing, and progressive criminal justice policies. Conservatives argue the need for federal intervention was caused by years of policies that weakened law enforcement and emboldened repeat offenders.
City officials welcomed the withdrawal, describing it as a return to normal operations. Law enforcement advocates, however, warned that staffing shortages and unresolved crime trends remain serious challenges. Police unions in multiple cities have continued to raise concerns about officer retention and morale.
President Trump has repeatedly stated that restoring law and order is a core federal responsibility when states fail to act. At the same time, he has insisted that long-term public safety depends on local leadership willing to enforce the law. The withdrawal underscores that balance while keeping federal options open if conditions deteriorate.
