A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit heard arguments on whether President Trump had authority to deploy the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and whether the deployment should be ended.

The disputed deployment extended into early 2029, included a $292 million private contract for housing guard members, and saw troop levels peak around 5,000 before settling near 2,900.

Supporters credit crime reduction and security for federal property, while opponents argue the costs to taxpayers and concerns about militarization in the capital.

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The report is attributed to an Associated Press dispatch by Gary Fields, with Washington, D.C. identified as the location.

The legal dispute is unfolding in federal appellate court proceedings as of October 2026.

Dozens of protesters gathered outside the federal courthouse with signs such as “Guards Out” and “Free DC” during the hearing.

The legal process is ongoing and further developments will follow; no ruling has been issued in the excerpt.

A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit heard the arguments on the issue.

Background includes the Home Rule Act of 1973 and the deployment’s role in protecting federal property and supporting federal functions in the capital.

The hearing examined whether the administration’s argument could be seen as federalizing local policing, navigating constitutional and statutory boundaries around the District of Columbia.

A prior appellate panel in December favored aspects of the administration’s position, citing disruption from redeployments and protection of federal interests.