By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, a Republican, has requested the deployment of National Guard troops to New Orleans and other cities through 2026, citing the need to combat crime. This request aligns with Trump’s previous actions, which have included sending troops to other cities like Washington D.C. and Memphis, despite crime statistics showing significant decreases in some areas. While the governor pointed to elevated violent crime rates and law enforcement shortages, data indicates that New Orleans is experiencing its fewest murders since 1970, with decreases in carjackings, vehicle burglaries, and shootings. This request has drawn criticism from Democratic leaders in other states and comes amidst concerns about the potential misuse of military force.
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Louisiana governor asks for national guard deployment to New Orleans, and that’s the headline we’re unpacking. The immediate question that pops up is: couldn’t he just do this himself? The fact is, as the former military guy pointed out, this move isn’t just a simple “order them in” situation. It’s a significant financial and logistical undertaking, and the implications run deeper than they might initially seem.
The governor’s request is for 1,000 National Guardsmen, which means activating these individuals and placing them on full pay, benefits, and entitlements. That’s a dramatic shift from their usual status, which carries a hefty price tag. We’re talking about a lot of money involved. A back-of-the-envelope calculation starts with lodging and meals. The daily cost for lodging and meals alone, based on estimated per diem rates, quickly adds up. Multiply 1,000 troops by a conservative estimate per day, and you’re looking at a quarter of a million taxpayer dollars *per day* just for those basics.
Now, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. This per diem doesn’t account for fuel for the vehicles, and the rental cars that often come with a deployment. The cost of wear and tear on government resources, logistics, parts, and training all add more. Think about the increased healthcare costs, and dental coverage, the family separation allowances, and other unseen expenses that quickly accumulate. For those who claim to care about government spending, this is described as a staggering waste of resources, and a potential case of fraud, waste, and abuse.
The central question becomes: Why is the National Guard needed? There seems to be no genuine state of emergency declared. There’s no unrest, no rioting, no insurrection, no natural disaster to justify it. In fact, some people feel that it’s a politically motivated maneuver, a threat against the very citizens and leaders of the cities and states affected. It’s seen by some as an attempt to normalize deploying armed forces against American citizens, and a violation of states’ rights. Many people are feeling that.
The motivations, as suggested by a commenter, might involve the governor’s desire to achieve certain goals. First, he wants the headline: “Trump deploying National Guard to Louisiana at the behest of the Governor.” This gets him the recognition. If anything goes wrong, the governor can shift blame saying that he wasn’t the one who deployed them. And third, is normalizing giving control of the national guard to the president like it isn’t some major illegal violation of states’ rights. Some people see this as an example of the governor “sucking up” to the President, rather than representing his state’s people.
The timing of this decision raises further concerns. Some see it as a play for political points, while others fear the potential negative impact on tourism, a key economic driver for New Orleans. Others point out that this mirrors the failures of past administrations. In the aftermath of Katrina, for example, the Louisiana National Guard was stretched thin due to deployments elsewhere, hindering their ability to respond to the disaster. Deploying the Guard now might leave the state vulnerable to actual emergencies.
Some people view the decision as a purely political move, a performance designed to pander to a certain base. This is what the commentators and the comments seem to be indicating. They question the governor’s judgment, his understanding of his role, and his commitment to his state’s best interests. The suggestion that the Governor is being driven by political ambitions, and perhaps hoping to curry favor with certain figures, is a major factor for the critics.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that the governor has the authority to deploy the Louisiana National Guard. Is this a case of someone being unaware of his own power, or is this a deliberate strategy to involve the federal government, potentially for political reasons? The implication is clear: this could be a calculated move, a theatrical performance, rather than a necessary response to a genuine crisis. The commentators question the overall purpose and the specific rationale behind this decision. Many people aren’t happy with the governor.
Finally, the stated reason for the deployment – “extra support for major events, including Mardi Gras and college football bowl games” – seems a bit questionable. The idea of using state resources for such events is questioned, as it is the State’s job to be able to maintain such order, and doesn’t call for outside interference. It seems to be just another way of wasting money.