Fact Check: "The deployment of troops in Los Angeles could cost $134 million."
What We Know
The claim regarding the cost of deploying troops in Los Angeles stems from a recent hearing where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Appropriations Committee. He stated that the deployment of nearly 5,000 active-duty Marines and National Guard members to assist local law enforcement would incur an estimated cost of $134 million. This figure was confirmed by Bryn MacDonnell, the Pentagon's acting comptroller, who explained that the costs would cover travel, housing, food, and other incidental expenses for the troops over a projected deployment period of 60 days (source-1, source-2).
Analysis
The estimate of $134 million for the troop deployment has been reported consistently across multiple credible sources, including major news outlets like The New York Times, Defense News, and Politico (source-1, source-2, source-3). The information was provided during a formal congressional hearing, which adds a layer of reliability to the claim, as it comes from official government testimony.
However, it is important to note that while the cost estimate is based on official statements, the context surrounding the deployment has been contentious. Critics, including several Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about the appropriateness of deploying active-duty military personnel for domestic law enforcement purposes, arguing that it could set a dangerous precedent (source-1, source-4). This political backdrop does not undermine the accuracy of the cost estimate itself but highlights the contentious nature of the deployment.
Conclusion
The claim that the deployment of troops in Los Angeles could cost $134 million is True. This figure is supported by multiple credible sources and was stated by Pentagon officials during a congressional hearing. The costs are associated with the logistics of deploying nearly 5,000 troops for a period of 60 days, as confirmed by the acting comptroller of the Pentagon.
Sources
- Hegseth Defends Deployment of Troops to Los Angeles at Testy Hearing - New York Times
- LA deployments to cost $134 million and last 60 days, Pentagon says - Defense News
- Troops deployed to LA will cost $134M, Pentagon predicts - Politico
- Trump deployment of National Guard, Marines to LA will cost $134 million - CNBC
- Pentagon estimates sending Marines, National Guard to LA will cost $134M - The Hill
- National Guard, Marine deployment in LA costs $134M: Pentagon - USA Today
- Trump deployment of National Guard, Marines to LA will cost $134 million - MSN
- WATCH: Hegseth says troops could be in LA for 60 days, cost $134 million - PBS
