Thousands of Washington Army National Guard members did not take part in last weekend’s drill, a money-saving move that appears precipitated in part by the Trump administration clawing back funds to pay for the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C.

September is the final month of the federal budget year, and typically, the training held at armories across Washington on the second weekend draws a large turnout.

But due to a budget shortfall, adjustments were made to pare participation and reduce costs.

Approximately 5,000 soldiers were scheduled to drill for the full weekend. An estimated half received an excused absence while the other half participated for a portion but not the entire period, officials said. Those with training requirements drilled and any soldier who desired

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