President Donald Trump announced a new directive extending full benefits to National Guard members serving in key domestic operations, stating that those troops will now receive the same benefits as active-duty service members. The announcement came during remarks at the Memphis Safe Task Force Roundtable on March 23, where the president highlighted the role of the National Guard in ongoing security efforts across several U.S. cities and at the southern border.
.@POTUS "The Secretary of War has just signed a directive to ensure THAT ALL National Guard members serving on this task force—as well as in D.C., New Orleans, and our border security missions—will receive the same benefits as active-duty troops, because you DESERVE IT!" pic.twitter.com/ZtZbMLiOlm
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 23, 2026
During his remarks, Trump framed the policy change as a recognition of the Guard’s contributions to major public safety missions. “Today I’m pleased to announce that the secretary of war used to be the secretary of defense. We made a minor change. We like the sound of it better, that the Secretary of War just signed a directive to ensure that all National Guard members serving on this task force as well as in DC, New Orleans, and our border security missions will receive the same benefits as active duty troops because you deserve it,” Trump said.
The directive applies to National Guard personnel deployed as part of coordinated federal, state, and local operations, including those involved in the Memphis Safe Task Force, similar initiatives in Washington, D.C., operations in New Orleans, and ongoing border security missions. These deployments have placed Guard members alongside active-duty forces and federal law enforcement agencies in efforts aimed at reducing crime and strengthening public safety.
Extending full benefits to National Guard troops represents a significant shift in how those service members are compensated during domestic missions. Typically, National Guard benefits can differ depending on the status of deployment, with some assignments not qualifying for the same level of pay, healthcare coverage, or long-term support available to active-duty personnel. By aligning benefits across these roles, the directive ensures more consistent compensation and support for Guard members engaged in high-intensity operations.
The White House underscored the announcement in a statement shared on social media, saying, “President Trump and @SecWar have announced FULL benefits for national guard troops, equivalent to those of other active service members. No one stands with our troops like the Trump administration.” The message emphasized the administration’s position that National Guard members should receive equal treatment when performing comparable duties.
President Trump and @SecWar have announced FULL benefits for national guard troops, equivalent to those of other active service members.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 23, 2026
No one stands with our troops like the Trump administration 👏🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tUA3iYBilU
The announcement came as Trump praised the role of National Guard units in recent crime reduction efforts, particularly in Memphis, where federal coordination with local law enforcement has led to a significant drop in violent crime. The inclusion of Guard forces in those efforts, along with expanded benefits, was presented as part of a broader strategy to support law enforcement and reinforce domestic security operations.