DC National Guard will have backup on hand for inauguration

SUMMARY

Preparations for the upcoming presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., include potential reinforcements from at least 24 states ready to assist the D.C. National Guard, according to two defense officials. While the officials did not specify which states are involved, they mentioned that 3,000 to 6,000 National Guardsmen were deployed for previous inaugurations on January 20, and a similar scale is expected this time. However, officials stressed that current security measures are largely routine. Presently, ten states have active National Guard missions focusing on election security, involving around 125 personnel, with an additional 120 troops on standby. These numbers could fluctuate as election day progresses, with states potentially adjusting their security plans. Although there has not yet been a formal request for assistance from the D.C. National Guard, officials noted that planning efforts are proactively underway in anticipation of future needs.