ALBAWABA - A video capturing US National Guard members picking up trash outside the White House sparked mixed reactions from locals and critics, who questioned the deployment over concerns about costs and the missed opportunity for members to address more significant community needs.
According to Fox 5, the Joint Task Force-DC office shared via e-mail on Monday that, "Service members assigned to JTF-DC will begin a beautification and restoration mission with National Park Service (NPS) as part of an overarching plan that includes an estimated 40 or more tasks being coordinated across the District."
US National Guard pick up trash, sparks mixed reactions on social media
Additionally, an official told the outlet that they "are committed to keeping D.C. safe and beautiful."
A social media user wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), "Imagine being pulled from your job and family, to become Trump's parks & recreation clean-up force. What a waste."
Another added, "'Join the military,' they said. 'See the world and have amazing adventures,' they said."
Others, such as Jessie Rabinowitz, campaign and communications director at the National Homelessness Law Center, wrote on X criticizing the trash-picking mission that the funds going towards the National Guard could solve homelessness for 150 people a year.
On the contrary, many to the National Guard's defense, stating that picking trash is "perfectly normal military stuff."
Another social media user wrote, "The most common military activity is ensuring that property and equipment are clean and functional. Every person, from Private to General, maintains their equipment, person, and environment."
A video shared on Facebook by the D.C. National Guard captured several soldiers cleaning around the White House. One of the soldiers said during the video that he's proud of cleaning and that D.C. needs the beautification and restoration mission.
